International Academy
for Human Sciences and Culture
Autumn Semester 2026
During the autumn semester, we will continue exploring and deepening this theme, which is inspired by the following passage from a message of the Universal House of Justice, the international governing council of the Bahá'í Faith:
“They are not swept off course by the world's unabating distractions. Steady do they go, patient and perseverant, pledged to long-term endeavour. And in the company of many others, they are building havens of peace.”
— The Universal House of Justice, Message to the Conference of the Continental Boards of Counsellors, 31 December 2025
The semester begins with the topic:
“Whither can a lover go but to the land of his beloved?” – A Pilgrimage
This title is inspired by The Hidden Words of Bahá’u’lláh.
The Monday and Wednesday courses are held in German.
Please register with the Academy for Human Sciences and Culture at info@peace-academy-society.org. Participants joining online will receive a link after registration.
“Building Havens of Peace”
The English-language International Online Peace Seminar takes place once a month on Saturdays and is held online. The seminar explores themes broadly corresponding to those of the Monday and Wednesday courses.
The autumn semester begins on Saturday, 19 September 2026, at 19.00 (Central European Time) with the topic:
“Whither can a lover go but to the land of his beloved?” – Pilgrimage
Please register with the Academy for Human Sciences and Culture at info@peace-academy-society.org. A link to join the seminar will be sent to participants after registration.
"May peace triumph over discord, may generosity triumph over niggardliness, may love triumph over contempt."
— Zoroaster (Yasna 60.5) 1
"He who hath no devotion hath no understanding, and he who hath no understanding hath no peace. And how can there be happiness to one who hath no peace?"
— Krishna (Bhagavad-Gita II.66) 2
"In this world hatred never ceases with hatred. With non-hatred it ceases; this is the ancient law."
— Buddha (Dhammapada, verse 5) 3
"Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbours as you love yourself."
— Moses (Leviticus 19:18) 4
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
— Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:9) 5
"It is not the eyes that are blind, but the hearts in the chests that grow blind ... The believer is the one from whose tongue and hand people are safe."
— Muhammad (Qur'an 22:46; Hadith, Musnad Ahmad 8931) 6
"The path to guidance is one of love and compassion, not of force and coercion."
— The Báb (Persian Bayán) 7
"O CHILDREN OF MEN! Know ye not why We created you all from the same dust? That no one should exalt himself over the other. Ponder at all times in your hearts how ye were created."
— Bahá'u'lláh (The Hidden Words, Arabic no. 68) 8
A central aim of the International Academy for Human Sciences and Culture is to contribute to peace among people in everyday life – in other words, to help build "havens of peace."9
The most important foundations for this endeavour are the recognition of the essential oneness of the world's religions and the recognition of the unity of humanity in its diversity.
Through this programme, the Academy seeks to create a space in which people of all religious and cultural backgrounds can come together for an interfaith devotional gathering in an atmosphere of openness, appreciation and a spirit of fellowship.
Through prayers, sacred scriptures and inspiring texts from the various world religions, we wish to learn from one another, deepen mutual understanding, and foster peace and unity in diversity.
Participation is free of charge. Please register with the Academy for Human Sciences and Culture at info@peace-academy-society.org. After registering, participants will receive the link for online participation.