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Introduction | Keynote Speakers | Call for Papers | Auxiliary Children's Conference | Contact Us
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The Association for Baha'i
Studies Australia
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Association for Baha'i Studies Australia
(ABS) is a non-profit, apolitical organisation, and
its committee is appointed and funded by the National Spiritual Assembly
of the
Baha'is of Australia . The involvement of the ABS in hosting and supporting this conference is related to one of its terms of reference. Term of reference four reads: 4. Social and Economic Development and the Environment To devise, review and evaluate programs, ideas and projects for the social and economic development of families and communities, with special attention to the views and needs of women, indigenous people and minorities, and the preservation of the environment. 1993 was the International Year of Indigenous Peoples and The Association for Baha'i Studies (ABS) felt it appropriate to have their annual conference in 1993 on an Indigenous related theme. The conference theme was "Indigenous Peoples" and included a focus on building a positive understanding of Native Title (Held at Queensland University). A book Indigenous Peoples: In the Wake of Mabo , was published in 1997 as part of this commitment and in recognition of the UN International Decade of Indigenous Peoples (1993-2004) Upon consultation, the ABS decided that since 2004 marked the end of the International Decade of Indigenous Peoples, that it was once again appropriate to host a conference supporting a better understanding of the views and needs of Indigenous Peoples. Rather than having a direct focus on Baha'i content and participation, The ABS believed it could more positively benefit the Indigenous communities to host the conference by assisting in developing a positive framework of consultation that was more indirectly framed by specific principles that the Baha'i's especially value. These principles included ensuring as great a level of participation by Indigenous participants and keynote speakers as possible; taking steps to ensure as great a level of participation by female participants and keynote speakers as possible; holding the parallel childrens conference; encouraging a spiritual focus in the consultation process; encouraging multi-disciplinary relationships committed to this process at MQU; encouraging a non-partisan political context; and structuring the subjects and framework of the conference so that the views and needs of Indigenous Peoples could be seriously heard and discussed. Fundamental to Baha'i scholarship is the understanding that such research should be of practical benefit to humanity, therefore it is hoped that the conference will be devoted to focusing on consulting about ethical issues associated with the development of positive resources and potential pathways of social and economic development in relation to Indigenous communities medical knowledge. The development of appropriate ethical protocols for consultation with/among Indigenous Peoples will be a primary focus of discussion. For some writings of the Baha'i Faith related to the themes of this conference and pictures of Baha'is around the world click here . |
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