For the first time in the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development’s (APFSD) twelve year history, the Baha’i International Community’s (BIC) Jakarta Office sent a delegation to engage in discussions on strengthening social cohesion and fostering inclusive development. The APFSD, an annual intergovernmental forum, assesses regional progress on the 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and provides a platform for dialogue between governments, civil society, and international organizations.  

This year’s forum focused on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).  

BIC highlights role of women’s empowerment and faith in development

During a side event co-organized with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), BIC delegate Aneeshaa Kaviarasan emphasized how the education and empowerment of women strengthens social solidarity and contributes to collective prosperity, and that such empowerment must also be an inclusive process. 

“True empowerment cannot be a power struggle. If we exclude men from the process, then we create division instead of progress….  Any movement for women or youth must ultimately be an ‘everybody movement,” Kaviarasan said. “When men become part of the conversation and are supportive, the entire society moves forward. Women, men, and young people are becoming protagonists of social transformation," she added. 

At a discussion on the upcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, BIC Representative Desytia Nawris highlighted that true development must be an inclusive and interactive process, where institutions, communities, and individuals—regardless of gender or age—engage in consultation and collective action.  

“How can we promote such a process and system by which the relationships underlying the social fabric can be strengthened—through which social development also complements material and economic flourishing?” Nawris asked.

Faith-based organizations as key social actors  

As one of the few faith-based organizations at the forum, the BIC delegation explored the role of religious communities in shaping development policies. At a friendship dinner with other forum participants, discussions centered on how faith imparts hope, long-term commitment, and a unique perspective to social progress.  

Cathryn Anila, another BIC delegate shared a guiding principle:  

“The supreme need of humanity is cooperation and reciprocity. The stronger the ties of fellowship and solidarity amongst men, the greater will be the power of constructiveness and accomplishment in all the planes of human activity.”  

A representative from Buddhist Tzu Chi also emphasized the importance of sincerity and trust in advancing shared goals:  

“I believe strongly in pure thoughts and intention. Hence, stay true, have faith, we will reach our goal together.”  

Addressing social inclusion and mental well-being  

The BIC welcomed the United Nations Commission for Social Development’s focus this year on strengthening solidarity, social inclusion, and social cohesion. Vital as it is, social inclusion has long been recognized as one of the less clearly defined elements of the social development agenda. 

“The roots of numerous global challenges point to one key factor: how human beings relate to one another. The issue of loneliness out of the lack of interaction has led to many issues i.e. of anxiousness, prejudice and even some who resort to the extent of taking their own lives.” Nawris pointed out.

Throughout various conversations, members of the delegation stressed that building a stronger social fabric requires deeper collaboration among diverse stakeholders, founded on mutual trust, shared values, and a collective commitment to development.  

The Baha’i International Community’s participation at APFSD reflects its growing engagement in global discussions on sustainable development, gender equality, and social inclusion, advocating for a holistic approach to progress that integrates material, social, and spiritual well-being.