International Solidarity Day was observed on Tuesday (Dec 20) across the globe including Pakistan to raise public awareness about the importance of solidarity to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity.
Solidarity is identified in the Millennium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations wherein those who either suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most.
Consequently, in the context of globalisation and the challenge of growing inequality, strengthening of international solidarity is indispensable. Therefore, the UN General Assembly is convinced that the promotion of the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing was important for combating poverty, proclaimed December 20 as International Human Solidarity Day.
Through initiatives such as the establishment of the World Solidarity Fund to eradicate poverty and the proclamation of International Human Solidarity Day, the concept of solidarity was promoted as crucial in the fight against poverty and in the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.
The concept of solidarity has defined the work of the United Nations since the birth of the organisation. The creation of the United Nations drew the people and nations of the world together to promote peace, human rights and social and economic development. The organisation was founded on a basic premise of unity and harmony among its members expressed in the concept of collective security that relies on the solidarity of its members to unite “to maintain international peace and security”.
The day was also observed for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals including poverty eradication and a day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication. It is in the spirit of solidarity that the organisation relies on “cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character” as well.
