Bahá’í World News Service (BWNS)
Reporting on major developments and endeavors of the global Bahá’í community.
Episodes
In Conversation: Local Spiritual Assemblies and the bonds of trust
Counsellors explore how Bahá’í Local Spiritual Assemblies in three diverse settings—Kenya, Sri Lanka, and the US—are becoming sources of care, consultation, and service.
Insights from the field: Podcast explores emerging patterns of community life across Sydney
Counsellor Taraz Nadarajah shares stories from Sydney where families and young people are contributing to new patterns of community life.
In Conversation: Fostering collective action in Canjavu village
The latest podcast episode explores efforts in a DRC village to learn about addressing long-standing challenges in education, agriculture, and societal harmony.
In Conversation: Exploring how youth across the globe are finding coherence through lives of service
Four Counsellors from different regions discuss how Bahá’í educational programs are helping young people discover a new identity and purpose through service to society.
In Conversation: Podcast explores how youth in Canada are contributing to community life
This podcast episode explores how youth in Canada are learning to reorient their lives around service, discovering in the process a deeper sense of purpose.
In Conversation: Contributions to social transformation in Kenya
Podcast explores how in Kenya, participation in Bahá’í moral and spiritual education is raising consciousness about individual and collective responsibility.
In Conversation: Fostering vibrant communities in the UK
In settings across the UK, young people are discovering that their desire to serve others can become a powerful force for building peaceful communities.
Insights from the Field: Uncovering early Bahá’í contributions to 19th century Iran—Part 2
The second part of this two-episode conversation in the Insights from the Field podcast continues a discussion with Moojan Momen, drawing on themes from his recent paper, “The Bábí-Bahá’í Revolution in Iran,” published in the Iranian Studies journal of Cambridge University Press.
Building on the historical foundations introduced in Part 1, Dr. Momen explains that beginning in the late 19th cent
Insights from the Field: Uncovering early Bahá’í contributions to 19th century Iran—Part 1
New two-part podcast explores the largely hidden history of significant Bahá’í contributions to education, governance, and social reform in 19th century Iran.
Insights from the Field: Application of spiritual principles to academic inquiry
Participants at the annual ABS conference reflect on how spiritual principles can inform inquiry across diverse fields—from neuroscience to information technology.
In Conversation: Fostering cohesive neighborhoods in the United States
The latest podcast episode explores how youth in the US, inspired by spiritual principles, are discovering the joy of serving together for the common good.
In Conversation: Hope inspires action in Central Asia
The latest podcast episode explores how young people in Central Asia are overcoming social barriers and contributing to the betterment of their communities.
In the latest podcast episode of “In Conversation,” four members of the Board of Counsellors explore efforts to contribute to social progress in several countries across the Caucasuses and Central Asia, from neighborhoods in Ashgabat, Turkm
In Conversation: Families foster belonging in Australian neighborhoods
The latest podcast episode explores how neighbors and groups of families in Australia are learning to support one another by applying spiritual principles to daily life.
In Conversation: Advancing women’s education in Cambodia and Malawi
The latest podcast episode explores how Bahá’í educational programs in Cambodia and Malawi are empowering women to transcend traditional roles and contribute to progress.
In Conversation: Cultivating harmony in Azerbaijan for over a century
Members of Azerbaijan’s Bahá’í community reflect on how efforts to foster harmonious relationships at the grassroots have informed national discussions on pressing issues
In Conversation: BIC Brussels on education and societal attitudes that empower youth
In the latest podcast episode of the Bahá’í World News Service we hear from Rachel Bayani and Alessandro Benedetti, representatives of the Brussels Office of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC), who explore conditions that enable young people’s capacities for meaningful social contribution to flourish.
In Conversation: BIC explores oneness and interdependence in governance
The latest podcast episode from the News Service explores the need for global governance that recognizes humanity as an interdependent whole rather than competing units.
Insights from the Field: Zambia communities empowered to reshape their future through education
In a recent podcast episode from the News Service, we hear from Musonda Kapusa-Linsel, member of the Board of Counsellors in Africa, as she reflects on the transformation fostered through Bahá’í material and spiritual educational initiatives in Zambia over the past four decades.
Mrs. Kapusa-Linsel explains that, over time, educational programs created spaces where participants could explore conc
Insights from the field: Canadian youth re-envision life’s purpose
In a recent podcast episode from the News Service, Ilya Shodjaee-Zrudlo from Canada explores how Bahá’í moral and spiritual education programs in that country are inspiring young people to see their lives through a new lens—one where service to humanity becomes the central organizing principle that brings coherence to all aspects of life.
Dr. Shodjaee-Zrudlo, draws on experiences as a collabor
In Conversation: Youth in the Canary Islands and living a coherent life
The latest podcast episode of the Baháʼí World News Service explores how a growing number of young people in the Canary Islands are learning to live a more coherent life centered on service to their society through their participation in Bahá’í moral and spiritual educational programs.
Orlando Ravelo Hernández, member of the Board of Counsellors in Europe, and Alejandro Sarmiento González, membe
In Conversation: Exploring spiritual foundations of equality of women and men
In the latest Bahá’í World News Service podcast episode, representatives from the Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, and New York Offices of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) reflected on the advancement of women and the spiritual foundations of equality.
In Conversation: Contributing to prevalent discourses in Kazakhstan
In the latest podcast episode of the Bahá’í World News Service, Lyazzat Yangaliyeva and Timur Chekparbayev, members of Kazakhstan’s Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, shared insights from their participation in some of the prevalent discourses in their country over the years, particularly those related to societal harmony.
In Conversation: Exploring contributions of the BIC to the discourse on societal harmony
In the latest Bahá’í World News Service podcast episode, representatives of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) from offices in Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, and New York explored approaches to building societal harmony amid contemporary challenges.
The representatives examined how foundational principles found in the Bahá’í teachings—particularly an understanding of the essential oneness of hum
Insights from the field: Contribution of the Bahá’ís of Uzbekistan to society
In a recent podcast episode from the News Service, Farrukh Rasulov, a member of the Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs of Uzbekistan, explores contributions of the Bahá’ís of that country to social progress over the past decades.
The Bahá’í Faith has been present in what is now Uzbekistan since the 19th century, when it was part of the same broader region as Ashgabat (in present-day Turkmenistan),
Insights from the field: Bahá’í Chair examines conditions essential for lasting peace
In the latest podcast episode of the Bahá’í World News Service, Hoda Mahmoudi—holder of the Bahá’í Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland—discusses the Chair’s distinctive approach to promoting dialogue and understanding and its research with programs on peacebuilding and development.
Insights from the field: Contribution of the Bahá’ís of Iran to the advancement of society
In the latest podcast episode from the Bahá’í World News Service, Mina Yazdani—a professor of history at Eastern Kentucky University in the United States—explored the profound contribution of the Bahá’í community in Iran to their society.
Dr. Yazdani shared some accounts of these contributions in several areas, including health, agriculture, and education.
She explained how the Bahá’ís of Ira
Insights from the field: Exploring annual conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies
A new podcast episode of the Bahá’í World News Service explores the rich discussion and collaborative spirit that characterized the recent 48th annual conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies (ABS) in North America.
The conference, held in Atlanta, Georgia, brought together nearly 2,000 participants from diverse fields of study to explore the application of Bahá’í teachings to contempor
In Conversation: Exploring contributions of the BIC to the discourse on global governance
In the latest Bahá’í World News Service podcast episode, two representatives of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC)’s New York Office, Bani Dugal and Liliane Nkunzimana, discussed the BIC’s contributions to the discourse on global governance ahead of the UN Summit of the Future.
In Conversation: Stories from temple dedication in Papua New Guinea
In the latest podcast episode of the Bahá’í World News Service, we are transported to the dedication of the Bahá’í House of Worship in Papua New Guinea, hearing firsthand accounts from three participants of the historic occasion.
Full story on: news.bahai.org/story/1743/
Insights from the Field: Exploring individual and collective transformation in Kenya
In this podcast episode from the Bahá’í World News Service, we hear from Townshend Lihanda, member of the Board of Counsellors in Africa, sharing accounts of individual and collective transformation in Kenya inspired by Bahá’í moral and spiritual education programs.
Mr. Lihanda discusses the profound changes occurring within communities where these programs are offered. He highlights how these i
In Conversation: Podcast explores implications of oneness for the African–European partnership
Amid increasing challenges and conflict in the world, a growing recognition is emerging of the interdependence of nations. This vital insight is addressed by the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) in international forums, where its contributions highlight that at a fundamental level, humanity is one.
In the latest podcast episode of the Bahá’í World News Service, representatives from the BIC’s
In Conversation: Exploring the dynamic relations between service and worship
This podcast episode from the Bahá’í World News Service explores how worship and service to humanity—two foundational aspects of living a spiritual life—mutually reinforce one another, paving the way to building more peaceful and harmonious communities.
Guests of the podcast were among the participants of a recent consultation held at the Bahá’í World Centre that explored how Bahá’í Houses of Wo
In conversation: Exploring contributions of the BIC to the betterment of the world
This podcast episode from the Bahá’í World News Service explores the history and evolution of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) over several decades, as well as its present work and contributions to discourses about the future and wellbeing of humanity.
Guests of the episode include representatives of some of the BIC’s offices, including in Addis Ababa, Brussels, Cairo, Geneva, and New Yo
In Conversation: Exploring collective inquiry through Bahá’í studies
This podcast episode from the Bahá’í World News Service explores the initiatives of the Association for Bahá’í Studies (ABS) in North America that aim to enrich the intellectual life of communities.
Selvi Adaikkallam Zabihi, Michael Karlberg, Malik Nash, and Negin Toosi join the News Service from the United States to discuss the ABS’s unique approach to inquiry within the sciences and humanities.
In conversation: Building vibrant communities
During a recent visit to the Bahá’í World Centre, members of Bahá’í communities from various countries joined in conversation with the News Service to explore insights about fostering a pattern of vibrant community life.
Guests of the episode included Jorge Guerreiro from Brazil, Nazneen Rowhani from India, Confucius Ikoirere from Papua New Guinea, Rey Elmo from Philippines, and Maria Simbowe fr
Insights from the field: Advancing gender equality in India
During a recent visit to the Bahá’í World Centre, Bhavna Anbarasan, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Asia, spoke with the Bahá’í World News Service about how Bahá’í community-building endeavors in the villages of Bihar, India, are giving rise to a new culture of equality.
Mrs. Anbarasan explained that the movement toward greater equality in Bihar has gained momentum as growing
Insights from the field: Technology, values, and society
How do we ensure that our values, our aspirations, and our needs are integrated into the design, development, and use of technology?
This was among the questions explored by Matt Weinberg, a technologist from the United States, in this podcast episode recorded during a recent gathering at the Bahá’í World Centre on the development of communities.
Full story: news.bahai.org/story/1705/
Insights from the field: Pursuing social action initiatives in Papua New Guinea
In this podcast episode from the News Service, we hear from Kessia Ruh, member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia, sharing stories about some of the efforts of the Bahá’ís of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to contribute to the wellbeing of their society.
Mrs. Ruh’s accounts highlight a key principle at the core of Bahá’í social action initiatives: faith in the ability of a populatio
In conversation: Exploring the Preparation for Social Action program
A new podcast episode from the News Service explores how the Preparation for Social Action (PSA) program, a Bahá’í-inspired educational endeavor, is raising capacity in people to apply scientific knowledge together with spiritual principles for the development of their communities.
In this episode, Elisa Cooper, who works closely with a network of Bahá’í-inspired organizations around the world,
In conversation: Youth explore Bahá’í Houses of Worship and social progress
In the latest podcast episode from the News Service, a group of young people serving at the Bahá’í World Centre explore the impact of Bahá’í Houses of Worship on community life, sharing their experiences of living near a Bahá’í temple in their local communities.
In this episode we hear from Deeba Behrouzi from Canada, Leili Zapata Caldas from Colombia, Pacifique Lolonga from the Democratic Repub
In Conversation: Impact of Houses of Worship on community life
During recent consultations at the Bahá’í World Centre on the development of Bahá’í communities, a few attendees who work closely with the Bahá’í Houses of Worship in Uganda and Kenya sat down with the News Service for a podcast episode to explore insights about how these temples are enriching community life.
The podcast features Samuel Mwangi, an Auxiliary Board member from Kenya; Patricia Sen
In Conversation: Coexistence in the Arab region
In the latest podcast episode from the News Service, two representatives of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC) discuss contributions of Bahá’í communities in the Arab region to the discourse on coexistence—a topic that has come to the forefront of public consciousness in recent years.
Saba Haddad and Hatem El-Hady, representatives of the Geneva and Cairo Offices of the BIC respectively, exp
Insights from the field: Exploring FUNDAEC’s agricultural initiatives
In this podcast episode, Leslie Stewart, Executive Director of FUNDAEC, sat with the News Service to discuss insights about some of that organization’s initiatives, particularly focusing on the areas of agriculture, food production, and distribution.
Ms. Stewart provided a glimpse into ways that the Bahá’í principles of the harmony of science and religion, the oneness of humanity, and selfless se
In conversation: Counsellors on educational initiatives
The latest podcast episode features Counsellors exploring the impact of educational initiatives in Bahá’í communities across the world.
To watch the podcast visit: https://youtu.be/mEzWRHLpD1o
In conversation: Counsellors on the advancement of women
In this episode, Counsellors discuss efforts in communities around the world to foster a culture of equality among women and men.
To watch the podcast visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w8dB2o4DuY
In conversation: Counsellors on youth and social transformation
Counsellors explore the ways youth engaged in Bahá’í educational initiatives are contributing to social transformation in their communities.
To watch the podcast visit: https://youtu.be/5oNESSsc_bc
A path toward a unified America
The centenary of the first race amity conference held by the American Bahá’í community was marked by a three-day symposium exploring racial unity and social change. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1514/
“Creating an Inclusive Narrative”: Australian publication points to shared identity
Australian Bahá’ís launch publication on social cohesion after two years of conversations among officials, academics, social actors, and people throughout the country.
The transformative power of prayer: How devotional gatherings are taking root in Uganda
An interview with representatives of a community in Uganda explores how collective prayer is influencing society at large. Read more at news.bahai.org/story/1344/.
Exploring how Houses of Worship are connecting with their societies
The latest Baha’i World News Service podcast episode features insights emerging from some of the Baha’i Temples around the world. Read more at news.bahai.org/story/1339/.
Part one of their discussion can be heard here: news.bahai.org/story/1334/
Momentous gathering focuses on Houses of Worship
The Baha’i World News Service interviewed representatives of Houses of Worship in Chile, India, and Uganda, which can be heard in a two-part podcast. Part one of the podcast, which focuses on the spiritual experiences people are having at Temples, is being published with this article. Part two will be made available in the coming weeks. Read more at news.bahai.org/story/1334/.
Overcoming prejudice through education
The latest BWNS podcast episode explores how a group of young women helped their community to shed superstitious attitudes that have ostracized women for generations. Read more at news.bahai.org/story/1332/.
In this bicentenary year, remembering the birth of a new Faith
The latest episode of the Baha’i World News Service podcast focuses on the historic declaration of the Bab. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1328/.
Podcast: Australia, diversity, and the pursuit of social cohesion
This podcast episode highlights how Baha’is in Australia are employing the power of consultation in advancing discourses on the national stage. Read more on https://news.bahai.org/story/1312/.
Podcast: Advancing a discourse on race unity in the U.S.
May Lample and P.J. Andrews of the U.S. Baha’i Office of Public Affairs talk about the Faith and Race Dialogues, a series of discussions about how religion can contribute to achieving race unity.
Music from the podcast is by Lee Rosevere, used under the following Creative Commons license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/.
Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1310.
Podcast: Why religion is in the spotlight again
In this podcast, Rachel Bayani from the BIC Brussels Office, Lyazzat Yangaliyeva from Kazakhstan, Arash Fazli from India, and Geoffrey Cameron from Canada discuss the efforts of regional and national Baha’i communities to participate in one particular discourse: the role of religion in society. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1303/.
Podcast: What does it mean to participate in the discourses of society?
In this podcast, Saba Detweiler from Germany interviews Rachel Bayani from the BIC Brussels Office, Vahid Vahdat from Brazil, and Karl Wightman from the United Kingdom. They discuss the efforts of regional and national Baha’i communities to participate in the discourses of society. Read the story that accompanies this podcast here: https://news.bahai.org/story/1298/.
Podcast: Remembering pioneering environmentalist Richard St. Barbe Baker
In this edition of the Baha'i World News Service podcast, we hear excerpts from St. Barbe himself describing his inspiration for a lifelong commitment to environmentalism and the Baha'i Faith. Drawn to the Baha’i Faith at a young age, St. Barbe was a visionary environmentalist whose global impact is being revisited through the work of the International Tree Foundation and a new biography by Paul H
Out of exile, a light to the world — 150th anniversary of Baha’u’llah’s arrival in Holy Land: Part 3
Baha’u’llah’s arrival in Akka was a moment of severe crisis. But is marked the time when he made His weightiest pronouncements to the kings and rulers of His time, laying out the framework for a world civilization. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1284/.
Out of exile, a light to the world — 150th anniversary of Baha’u’llah’s arrival in Holy Land: Part 2
This episode of the Baha’i World News Service podcast focuses on Baha’u’llah’s arrival 150 years ago to the fortress city of Akka and events in the period that immediately followed it. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1282/.
Out of exile, a light to the world — 150th anniversary of Baha’u’llah’s arrival in Holy Land: Part 1
This episode of the Baha’i World News Service podcast explores the context of Baha’u’llah’s banishment to Akka 150 years ago, as well as His departure from Edirne, Turkey, and the curious history of Akka and Haifa. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1281/.
Podcast: Musical about escaping slavery raises consciousness, inspires conversation and action
In this edition of the Baha'i World News Service podcast, we hear from the creative team behind the new stage musical Henry Box Brown. The performance is raising consciousness about fundamental Baha’i principles, such as the oneness of humankind, the elimination of all forms of prejudice, and justice. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1280/.
Podcast: Counsellors’ conversation on spiritual transformation and social change: Part 3
In this podcast episode, Counsellors explore the relationship between worship and service and discuss family life, community, and race unity. This is the third in a series of podcast episodes on community building, spiritual transformation, and social change. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1278/.
Podcast: Counsellors’ conversation on spiritual transformation and social change: Part 2
In this edition of the Baha'i World News Service podcast, a group of African Counsellors reflect on the experience of Baha’i-inspired organizations by discussing some educational endeavors. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1269/.
Podcast: Counsellors’ conversation on spiritual transformation and social change: Part 1
Members of the Continental Boards of Counsellors joined in a conversation with the Baha'i World News Service in a podcast about the impact of spiritual and moral education programs offered by the Baha'i community on youth and the communities in which they live. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1264/.
Podcast: A vision of peace: Stories from the Democratic Republic of the Congo
A process is unfolding in the DRC—one that seeks to build capacity within all people to arise and contribute to the advancement of civilization. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1233/.
Podcast: Hearing "the Divinity in the music": Dizzy Gillespie remembered at 100
Dizzy Gillespie, who would have turned 100 this month, is remembered as one of the greatest trumpeters of all time. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1204/.
Podcast: A peaceful, persistent response to injustice
Three decades ago, barred from higher education, the Baha'is of Iran embarked on a remarkable journey to educate their youth. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1181/.
Podcast: Murals as a symbol of solidarity, resilience
Education is Nor a Crime is a street art campaign to raise awareness for human rights in Iran. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1173/.
Podcast: Distinguished composer casts light on prisoner's poems
Renowned composer Lasse Thoresen's new work highlights the poetry of Mahvash Sabet, wrongfully imprisoned in Iran for being a Baha'i.
Podcast: 'Luminous, abstract beauty': Artist's impact revisited
Mark Tobey was an American painted whose influence on art in the twentieth century is being recognized again after many decades.
Podcast: Catalyzing an education revolution
Brookings Institution highlights Baha'i-inspired program: A recent case study from the Brookings Institution highlights the Baha'i-inspired initiative Sistema de Aprendizaje Tutorial in Latin America. Read more at https://news.bahai.org/story/1155/.
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