The conference began with a presentation by Dr. Victor de Araujo entitled, “Health: A Global Perspective”. Dr. Hossain Danesh then presented a review of the historical relationship between religion and science in general and the science of medicine in particular. These two talks set the tone and direction of the conference.

For the remaining two and a half days, the participants were treated to an array of challenging, informative and well-researched presentations such as: “Mind, Body and Soul” by Dr. Faraneh Khadem; “The Baha’i Revelation and Lifestyle Alternation” by Dr. David Smith; “Adolescent Quest for Tranquility: the Dilemma of Drug Abuse” by Dr. A. M. Ghadirian; ‘‘Scientific Method of Search for Truth” by Dr. Peter Morgan; “Total Stimulation for Children Recovering from Malnutrition” by Linda Gershuny; "Nutrition: Key Factor in High-Level Wellness” by Dr. S. Raman; “Music Therapy” by Jocelyn Boor; “Healing Relationship in Marriage” by Ruth Eyford and Helgi Eyford; and “The Importance for a Physician to turn to God” by Dr. Agnes Ghaznavi.

There were four very successful workshops: “Smoking and Exercise”; ‘‘Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, and Youth”; “Baha'i Life” and ‘‘Baha’i Approach to Sexuality”. The participants also had the pleasure of attending the performance of Ballet Shayda on the theme of “Women in Motion’’.

. The closing addresses were given by Hand of the Cause John Robarts and by Florence Altass, a 96 year old Bahá'í from England, who due to a recent and severe illness, was not able to attend the conference but sent a paper and taped message. Throughout the conference, Mr. Robarts greatly encouraged the friends, showered them with his love and guided them with his remarks. He reminded Bahá'í health professionals of the importance of prayer and turning to God for assistance at the time of dispensing treatment. It was through his closing remarks, quoting from the Writings of the Faith, that the audience caught a glimpse of the unity of religion and science which will no doubt characterize the medical sciences of the future. [BC Vol 2 Issue 12 September/October 1980 p30]

The first plenary session of the conference focussed on the theme “New Dimensions in Development”, and comprised of three presentations: Dr. Glen Eyford, Professor of International Development, spoke on "Strategies-for Social Change", Dr. Joanna Macy, “A Spiritual Approach to Social Change” and Gustavo Correa's presentation was "FUNDAEC: Case Study of an Alternative for Rural Development".

The second session: “Integrating Personal and Social Change —The Baha’i Paradigm” hosted the following speakers: Dr. Ervin Laszlo, “The Coming Transformation of Global Society and Today’s Action Imperative”, Shelia Banani, “Unity: The Ultimate Paradigm Shift” and Dr. Hossain Danesh, “Integrating Personal and Social Change”.

Hand of the Cause of God, Mr. Khadem, presented the awards to the winners of the best papers: John and Helen Danesh, High School Category; Shirin Sabri, General Category; Susan Stiles, University Category.

The theme for the third session was: “Elimination of Violence as a Prerequisite for World Peace”. Dr. Udo Schaefer, spoke on “Justitia Fundamentum Regnorum: On the Future of Penal Law”, followed by Mr. Brad Pokorny who spoke on “Disarmament and the Baha’i Faith”.

The advances made by the Association during the year were highlighted; the establishment of branches of the Association for Bahá'í Studies in India, Colombia, Ireland, Austria and Switzerland and the finalization of plans for opening chapters of the Association at universities to take the place gradually of the existing Bahá'í Clubs. A proposed draft of the constitution for the campus charters has been prepared and is now under review by the World Centre. [CBN Vol 5 No 6 November/December 1983 p14]