A “bright” beginning: delegates welcomed to 2026 National Baha’i Convention

Delegates have been welcomed to the 2026 National Baha’i Convention with heartfelt remarks setting the scene for a gathering that is “bright” and founded on “community”. 

With a Welcome to Country conducted by Wiradjuri and Ngiyampaa man Uncle Graham Davis-King, the delegates were welcomed with two stories which highlighted the importance of being surrounded by community “as a protection”. 

“We congratulate you for what you are achieving here,” he said. 

“It’s going to be really bright.” 

Following the Welcome to Country, outgoing chairperson of the national governing body of the Baha’i Faith, Dr Shayan Ta’i, welcomed everyone to the Convention and highlighted some of the achievements of the past year. 

Of particular note was the formation of three new local governing bodies in Central Australia, two of which were comprised completely of First Nations individuals. 

She said this was a reflection of the increased capacity of the Faith to take root among the First Nations people of the land, “people whose faith, resilience and spiritual strength evoke respect and affection”. 

The international governing body of the Faith, the Universal House of Justice, states that: 

Dr Ta’i said this year’s Convention came with a special rise in excitement bursting forth from the recent gathering in Sydney where more than 400 individuals from Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands attended to share learning and insights about the community-building process.

What has been especially striking, she said, was how far the frontiers of learning have advanced, and how many devoted and capable youth are spearheading the capacity-building processes. 

“Further we observe the unity that pervaded that gathering,” she said. 

Dr Ta’i said it was only natural that the conversation from that gathering would find its way to the floor of the Convention as the Australian community enters the second phase of the Nine Year Plan. 

“From whatever angle, it is evident that tremendous progress has been made.” 

Dr Ta’i also remarked that feelings of excitement were “tinged by the sorrow” of yet another year where the friends in Iran continue to endure suffering. “We long for that day we can celebrate our victories alongside them.” 

As Baha’u’llah says: