The Bahá'í community is a worldwide movement -- it is the most systematic attempt to put into practice the global vision and holistic system proposed over a century ago by Bahá'u'lláh (1817-1892). The one-and-a-half centuries of experience gained by this community in implementing Bahá'u'lláh's strategy of reform provides an interesting case for study.

Heir to Bahá'u'lláh's worldwide legacy to effect social reconstruction, the Bahá'í community is committed, through a unique and vigorous system of governance, to the gradual and systematic realization of Bahá'u'lláh's vision of a united humanity, through cooperation at all levels of society and by offering relevant models of interaction and decision-making to be tested out by a globalizing world community.

Today, this movement is known as the Bahá'í International Community (BIC). It is recognaized as one of the most widespread and active international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) cooperating with and within the United Nations organization.