Bahá’í communities in Samoa and American Samoa marked Naw-Rúz, the Bahá’í New Year, on Thursday with vibrant gatherings focused on unity, renewal and hope, as the region prepares for an upcoming convention.

A major celebration was held at Tiapapata at the Bahá’í House of Worship, where a youth-organised event brought people together under the theme “We Are the World.”

More than 100 people attended, dressed in cultural clothing from around the world. Participants were encouraged to represent cultures beyond their own, reflecting the Bahá’í principle of the oneness of humanity.

Attendees included people from across the Pacific and countries such as Ghana, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Germany, Italy, Australia, New Zealand and Iran, the birthplace of the Bahá’í Faith, as well as several Eastern European nations.

The program featured a short documentary on Naw-Rúz produced in Samoa, using archival footage from the past 25 years. Many in the audience, especially youth organisers, recognised themselves and others in the film, adding a nostalgic and joyful mood.

A quiz followed the screening, bringing more energy and participation to the event. The evening also included music, fellowship and reflection. Youth prepared Samoan food, adding to the warm and festive atmosphere.

Similar celebrations took place across Samoa and American Samoa, bringing together families and individuals in a shared spirit of gratitude and service.

The celebrations come as the region prepares for the Pacific Regional Institutional Convention, scheduled for April 15 to April 19 in Samoa. The event is expected to bring together more than 150 participants from 11 Pacific nations, including representatives from the Bahá’í World Centre.

The convention will mark the end of the first four-year phase of the current Nine-Year Plan and the start of its final five-year period. It will focus on consultation and learning to strengthen efforts in building spiritually grounded communities.

Across Samoa and the Pacific, these efforts include children’s moral and spiritual education programs, initiatives to empower junior youth, study circles for adults, and grassroots social action projects addressing local needs.

In February, during a visit to the Bahá’í House of Worship, Alon Roth-Snir, Ambassador of the State of Israel to Samoa, spoke about the connection between Israel and the Bahá’í Faith. He noted the presence of its global administrative and spiritual centre in Haifa and highlighted the relationship of respect and coexistence.