In order to eradicate poverty, inequality, hunger and strengthen solidarity, the UN General Assembly has proclaimed 20th December as International Human Solidarity day. In the Millennium Declaration, Solidarity is identified as one of the core values of International relations in the 21st century. The United Nations says, “Those, who either suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit the most.”
There is a need for solidarity and a sharing spirit to move forward in a poverty ridden world of equality. Solidarity is our shared humanity and interconnectedness. The day is meant to –
Celebrate Unity in Diversity of the world
Educate the world about solidarity and its importance
Promote solidarity to achieve the Sustainable development goals and stimulate new initiatives
Remind governments to respect their commitments towards International agreements
The concept of Solidarity –
On 22nd December 2005, a resolution was passed (60/209) in the UN General Assembly that identified Solidarity as the key fundamental value that will drive the 21st century. The world has to unite together for international peace and security. It is that cooperation which will solve the social, economic and cultural crisis or in a way the “humanitarian” problems.
The World Solidarity fund was established in this direction after a resolution 57/265 was passed in the General Assembly. In 2003, it was set up as a trust fund of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With it, the UN aims to ensure social development and uplift people from poverty in the developing countries.
The need of solidarity today –
The world needs more of solidarity today when the world stands divided on the lines of expansionism. The current wars between Russia – Ukraine, Israel – Palestine, the inner turbulence in Syria and Bangladesh have forced us to think. To think where the humanity is heading and where will it eventually end up.
When the poorest countries are dealing with hunger, homelessness, poor health, no education and when the whole world is facing climate change countries are engaged in expansionism, bombing, strikes and terrorism. A day in war against Ukraine, Russia spends 500 USD$ to 1 billion$. This amount of money can be used to feed countless families, or educate so many children worldwide. But still, it is war and the entire world id now in a state of war.
This calls for solidarity, a compassion for the other being and a reminder for all that ‘Humans are one family.’ As Martin Luther King JR. said, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
