Nava Ashraf

During a #CSW70 side event hosted by the Bahá’í International Community, Representative @LNkunzimana invited participants to reflect on reconceptualizing justice—the theme of this year’s BIC statement to CSW. A diverse panel of speakers—including Ms. Beatrice Chilomo, Permanent Secretary at @ZambiaMissionUN; Dr. Jill Stauffer of Haverford College; @profnavaashraf of the London School of Economics; and Ms. Dorothy Yazdani from the Bahá’í community of Brazil—highlighted concepts central to building just societies. The group began its conversation by acknowledging the importance of increasing access to justice within a legal framework. Participants then explored what an “expanded vision of justice” might look like and shared examples from their home countries. Cultural shifts must also be supported by structural change, the group concluded, encouraging grassroots action and engaging all segments of society in advancing justice and equality. For the Commission to be more than a moment on the calendar, local experiences must connect to a shared international vision. As one participant put it, “This is how the seeds of hope are planted.”