Seven Baha’i radio stations as of 1987

All this has kept our beloved Faith under international observation, an interest increased not only by the circulation of the Peace Statement but also by the rapidly expanding activities in the field of economic and social development, ranging from the inauguration and operation of radio stations— of which there are seven now broadcasting—to schools, literacy programs, agricultural assistance and a host of small but valuable undertakings at village level in many parts of the world. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Ridvan 1987 message)

1953: Participants at the Fourth Baha'i Intercontinental Teaching Conference, New Delhi, India

(The Baha'i World 1950-1954)

Ridvan 1986: The “opening to the fourth epoch of the Formative Age” – “the National Spiritual Assemblies and Counsellors consult together to formulate, for the first time, the national goals of an international teaching plan.”

Paralleling these outstanding events has been a remarkable unfoldment of organic growth in the maturity of the institutions of the Cause. The development of capacity and responsibility on their part and the devolution upon them of continually greater autonomy have been fostered by the encouragement of ever closer co-operation between the twin arms of the Administrative Order. This process now takes a large stride forward as the National Spiritual Assemblies and Counsellors consult together to formulate, for the first time, the national goals of an international teaching plan. Together they must carry them out; together they must implement the world objectives of the Six Year Plan as they apply in each country. This significant development is a befitting opening to the fourth epoch of the Formative Age and initiates a process which will undoubtedly characterize that epoch as national communities grow in strength and influence and are able to diffuse within their own countries the spirit of love and social unity which is the hallmark of the Cause of God. 

- The Universal House of Justice  (Ridvan 1986 message; Messages from the Universal House of Justice 1963-1986’)