For the Betterment of the World, prepared by the Office of Social and Economic Development at the Bahá’í
World Centre, highlights fundamental concepts that guide Bahá’í efforts in
social action.
Much of the publication is dedicated to providing practical examples of
projects undertaken in diverse parts of the world. It describes a sampling
of Bahá’í development endeavors across a broad spectrum, ranging from
grassroots efforts of limited duration undertaken by individuals or small
groups, to sophisticated programs of social and economic development
implemented by Bahá’í-inspired nongovernmental organizations. The
publication also explains how, most often, development endeavors emerge and
advance within localities that have a pronounced sense of community and a
growing collective consciousness.
Bahá’í social and economic development initiatives address various aspects
of community life, and the publication explores some of these, such as
education, health, agriculture, the economic life of communities, arts and
media, and the advancement of women. Regardless of the specific nature or
scale of an initiative, Bahá’í endeavors for social and economic
development operate on the principle that populations should be the
protagonists of their own material, spiritual, and intellectual
advancement, not just recipients of aid or mere participants. All
Bahá’í-inspired initiatives are motivated by a desire to serve humanity and
seek to promote the social and material well-being of all people.