A representative of the Baha'i community recently participated in a meeting dedicated to the promotion of human rights and religious freedom in Armenia. As part of his visit to Armenia, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Jacob MacGinnis, met with the leaders of Armenia’s religious communities. During the discussion, the importance of dialogue among religious communities was emphasized as a vital means of promoting mutual understanding and protecting religious freedoms.
During the gathering, insights were shared about the discourses initiated by the Office of Social Discourses of the Baha'i Community of Armenia. Over the past two years, the Office has consistently facilitated inclusive spaces where representatives from civic organizations, journalists, academia, the education sector, and other interested individuals have come together to engage in collective thinking and build consensus on ideas aimed at advancing society.
These gatherings have provided opportunities to foster cooperation, mutual support, and deeper understanding among diverse participants. As a contribution to building a cohesive society, these spaces have also allowed exploration of fundamental concepts that guide communities toward greater unity—where collaboration, mutual respect, trust, and a shared motivation to work for the common good are prevailing values.
Also, topics explored in these spaces have included:
- The evolving role of women in society
- The integrity and resilience of the family unit in contemporary times, trust and collaboration within families
- The importance of moral and value-based education as a foundation for a human rights-oriented society
The Office of Discourse continues to hold spaces where social actors come together and explore how can we together as members of our society contribute to the development of a socially and spiritually cohesive society—one in which active citizens are inspired to engage in the collective progress of the country.
