The
Realization of Universal Education
The acquisition of "knowledge," Bahá'u'lláh
says, serves as "wings" for humanity's "ascent," and
thus "is incumbent upon everyone." Knowledge plays a central
role in human life and society: It is the process of generating and applying
knowledge that lies at the heart of civilization. The advancement of society
flows from it. In light of this teaching, the Universal House of Justice,
in a 1985 statement on peace addressed to the peoples of the world, made
the following declaration:
"The cause of universal education, which has already enlisted in
its service an army of dedicated people from every faith and nation, deserves
the utmost support that the governments of the world can lend it. For
ignorance is indisputably the principal reason for the decline and fall
of peoples and the perpetuation of prejudice. No nation can achieve success
unless education is accorded all its citizens. Lack of resources limits
the ability of many nations to fulfil this necessity, imposing a certain
ordering of priorities. The decision-making agencies involved would do
well to consider giving first priority to the education of women and girls,
since it is through educated mothers that the benefits of knowledge can
be most effectively and rapidly diffused throughout society. In keeping
with the requirements of the times, consideration should also be given
to teaching the concept of world citizenship as part of the standard education
of every child."
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