ISLAMABAD: Like all other parts of the globe, the ‘International Human Solidarity Day’ will be marked tomorrow in Pakistan. The day aims to celebrate unity in diversity and remind people of the importance of solidarity in working towards eradicating poverty.
On this day, governments are reminded of their commitments to international agreements on the need for human solidarity as an initiative to fight against poverty.
People are encouraged to debate on ways to promote solidarity and find innovative methods to help eradicate poverty.
The day is promoted through all forms of media including magazine articles, speeches at official events, and web blogs from groups, individuals or organizations committed to universal solidarity. Activities such as promotion campaigns on issues such as banning land mines and making healthcare accessible to those in need are also carried out in addition to relief efforts for helping the affectees of natural or human-made disasters, poverty, corruption and terrorism.
Solidarity refers to a union of interests, purposes or sympathies among members of a group. In the Millennium Declaration, all the world leaders agreed that solidarity was a value that was important to international relations in the 21st century.
In light of globalization and the growing inequality, the United Nations (UN) realized that strong international solidarity and cooperation was needed to achieve its Millennium Development Goals. The UN itself was founded on the idea unity and harmony via the concept of collective security that relies on its members’ solidarity to unite for international peace and security.
On December 22, 2005, the UN general assembly proclaimed that International Solidarity Day would take place on December 20 each year. The event aims to raise people’s awareness of the importance of advancing the international development agenda and promoting global understanding of the value of human solidarity.