How to Achieve Unity and Peace in 2026: A Bahá'í Perspective

As 2026 unfolds, we all wonder whether humanity will learn to live in unity and peace despite its entrenched patterns of conflict and social fragmentation. 

According to the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá’í Faith, “The Great Peace towards which people of goodwill throughout the centuries have inclined their hearts, of which seers and poets for countless generations have expressed their vision, and for which from age to age the sacred scriptures of mankind have constantly held the promise, is now at long last within the reach of the nations” and that “World peace is not only possible but inevitable”.

However, we often ponder what steps can we take towards building a united and peaceful future? How can we each contribute towards this important goal in 2026? 

An essential step towards unity is justice. Bahá’ís see justice as the foundation of unity. Unity cannot be built on tolerance alone; it must be based on fairness, equity, and the removal of prejudice in all forms. 

Justice, in the Bahá’í view, is vital to the establishment of unity and harmony at all levels of society. “No light can compare with the light of justice. The establishment of order in the world and the tranquillity of the nations depend upon it”, states Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith.

Bahá’u’lláh further states that in the sight of God, justice is “the best beloved of all things”, since it permits each one of us to see with our own eyes rather than the eyes of others, to know through our own knowledge rather than the knowledge of our neighbour or a particular group that we belong to. Therefore, to be just and decide with fairness, we need to investigate the truth in all matters for ourselves, and not merely imitate others. Investigating truth individually, and not imitating others, is an important step towards unity.

We will not be able to overcome our current interrelated global challenges without a higher level of co-operation at all levels of society. This higher level of cooperation, in the Bahá’í view, can only be achieved through acceptance of the oneness of humanity. 

According to the Universal House of Justice, “World order can be founded only on an unshakeable consciousness of the oneness of mankind, a spiritual truth which all the human sciences confirm. Anthropology, physiology, psychology, recognize only one human species, albeit infinitely varied in the secondary aspects of life. Recognition of this truth requires abandonment of prejudice – prejudice of every kind-race, class, colour, creed, nation, sex, degree of material civilization, everything which enables people to consider themselves superior to others”. 

Another essential step towards unity is learning how to consult together. The Bahá’í approach to consultation encourages participants to search collectively for truth, to detach from personal agendas, and to prioritise the common good. Such a culture – rooted in humility and mutual respect – has the potential to transform decision-making at all levels of society. 

An equally important step is balancing material and spiritual aspects in life. Technological progress and economic development, when guided by moral and spiritual values, an acceptance of the oneness of humanity, and a commitment to justice for all, are vital steps on the path of unity and lasting global peace. 

For feedback please contact: tshwane@bahai.org.za; or call (011) 801 3100 

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