BWNS

Bahá’í World News Service

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Official news source of the worldwide Bahá’í community

13th International Convention: Delegates from across the Bahá’í world arrive in the Holy Land

April 25, 2023

BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Some 1,400 delegates and Counsellors from more than 170 countries have arrived in Haifa to participate in the International Bahá’í Convention, an unparalleled gathering that takes place every five years at the administrative and spiritual center of the worldwide Bahá’í community.

During the International Convention, these delegates, who represent a cross-section of humanity, will participate in consultative sessions and elect the international governing body of the Bahá’í Faith, the Universal House of Justice.

Consultations will explore how the worldwide Bahá’í community can intensify its efforts to contribute to humanity’s movement toward peace. These efforts involve educational programs that build capacity for community-building, as well as social action and participation in societal discourses.

The delegates who attend the International Convention are members of the annually elected national Bahá’í governing councils of their countries. These institutions, referred to as National Spiritual Assemblies, stimulate, guide, and support the activities of the Bahá’í community within their respective jurisdictions.

The Convention runs from 29 April to 2 May. On the opening day, the delegates will gather to elect the nine members of the Universal House of Justice for a five-year term.

The images below provide a view of the delegates’ arrival and of their visits to the Sacred Shrines in Haifa and ‘Akká. These visits allow the participants to spiritually prepare themselves before participating in the Convention.

Registration and Exhibition

Attendees can view this 6-minute video displayed in the exhibition, exploring the global Bahá'í community’s endeavors to promote social change. These efforts involve educational programs that build capacity for community-building, as well as social action and participation in societal discourses.

A section of the exhibit can be seen near the registration desks.
A delegate viewing a section of the exhibit on Bahá’í effort toward social progress.
A view of another part of the exhibit.
An exhibition of photos showcasing Bahá’í community-building efforts around the world is on display.
Two of the participants at the 13th International Bahá’í convention discuss a section of the exhibition which shows ongoing efforts around the world towards the promotion of spiritual and moral education.
Delegates seen here upon their arrival.
Delegates entering the convention center.
Another view of delegates being welcomed as they register.
A participant receives a program package during registration.
Delegates from around the world begin to register.
A participant at the registration desk.
A delegate is being assisted while registering.
A delegate from Kiribati (left) registers for the International Convention.
A participant from Jordan registering for the Convention.
A delegate from Russia (right) greeting another delegate.
A delegate from Ghana (middle) with other participants.
Some 1,400 delegates and guests register as they arrive at the convention center.
A delegate registering upon arrival.
A delegate standing by an exhibit showing various efforts of the Bahá'í community around the world to contribute to social betterment.
A delegate from Bermuda (center) with other participants.
Participant from Kazakhstan (right) registering for the convention.
More participants registering upon arrival.
Participants from Egypt.
A delegate from Mongolia is assisted throughout the registration process.
Representatives from various countries.

Visits to the Shrine of Bahá'u'llah

A representative reading the registration package on the way to visiting sacred Bahá’í Shrines.
Delegates in Báhji for their visit to the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Delegates watch a short orientation video.
Delegates in Bahjí.
Representatives from the Pacific islands in the surrounding gardens of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Delegates approach the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh during their visit to Báhjí.
Delegates outside of Collins Gate as they approach the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Delegates walk through Collins Gate on their way to the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
A group of delegates enter through the Collins Gate as they approach the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
A delegate prays in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Delegates outside the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh praying and meditating.
Participants quietly reflect during their visit to the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Delegates from Nigeria near the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Delegates walk along a path on their way to visit the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
A delegate walks along a path outside of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Delegates spiritually prepare by for International Convention by praying outside of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
A delegate from Canada (middle) approaches the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, alongside other representatives from around the world.
Delegates praying in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Delegates from Liberia in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.
Representatives walk underneath an arched hedge in Báhji.
Delegates in the Báhji Visitor Center.
Participants leaving after their visit to the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh.

Visits to the Shrine of Báb

Delegates gather before their visit to the Shrine of the Báb.
A prayer is read before delegates visit the Shrine of the Báb.
Participants approach the Shrine of the Báb on their first day.
Delegates visiting the Shrine of the Báb.
Delegates in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Báb.
Participants approaching the Shrine of the the Báb.
Delegates from around the world are visiting the Shrine of the Báb.
Delegates approaching the Shrine of the Báb.
Delegates in the gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Báb.
Delegate from Belgium (left) visiting the Shrine of the Báb.
A view of the Shrine of the Báb.
A delegate medidating outside the Shrine of the Báb.
A view of the bay of Haifa from a terrace below the Shrine of the Báb.
A view of the terraces above the Shrine of the Báb.
Delegates preparing to visit the Shrine of the Báb.
Delegates near the Shrine of the Báb.
Delegates standing on the terrace above the Shrine of the Báb.
Delegates outside the Pilgrim Reception Centre.