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.

Visits to the Shrine of Bahá'u'llah

Visits to the Shrine of Báb