Title: Science and Technology for Human Advancement | Bahá’í International Community
Headings: Statements
Statements
Science and Technology for Human Advancement
Statement to the United Nations Conference on Science and Technology for Development
A Balanced Civilization
Curing Disunity
Agents for Human Enrichment
The Most Potent Forces
Other languages

Content: The development process should accordingly employ science and technology first of all to reflect fully the fundamental organic oneness of the human race, by helping to abolish all prejudice and divisiveness, whether of class, creed, sex, race, or nationality. Agents for Human Enrichment
We know that, if correctly employed, science can lead to the betterment of the human race, to the development of the qualities of humanity, and to an understanding of the mysteries of the universe. we know that it has the potential to eradicate poverty, enrich humanity, and free it from the struggle for existence. If the material exists, as Baha'i­s believe, for the benefit of human beings, it is through science that we can understand the potential of existing resources and learn to develop this natural heritage for ourselves and future generations. Science should, therefore, be pursued to improve human life, and have as its conscious and ultimate goal the establishment of world peace and the unification of the human race. Unfortunately, science can similarly perfect instruments of war, support the concentration and abuse of power, undermine social and cultural values, and endanger the existence of mankind. It is not sufficient, therefore, by itself, to guarantee progress. It must be directed by the civilizing aims and values of the society it is intended to serve. Such a foundation of values instilled in individual scientists can be a most effective way to eliminate obstacles to the application of science and technology to development. These scientists will immediately see the priority need for development and will want to apply their knowledge in service of their fellow beings.