Culture of Solidarity and the Spirit of Sharing
The development the world has seen has felicitated the movement of people to different countries, either in pursuit of education or employment. While this has enhanced the quality of lives of those and their families, it also created an imbalance. The impact of globalisation is the creation of disparities, taking away the balance. The Millennium Declaration has identified solidarity as one of the fundamental values of international relations. So are the UN SDGs, which aim at lifting people out of poverty, hunger and disease. In 2005, the UN proclaimed 20 December as “International Human Solidarity Day” to promote the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing necessary for combating poverty. Solidarity plays a crucial role in addressing poverty by fostering a sense of unity and mutual support within communities and across nations. By working together, communities can influence government policies to create more equitable systems.
Solidarity is crucial in the fight against poverty
and the involvement of all relevant stakeholders.
The development the world has seen has felicitated the movement of people to different countries, either in pursuit of education or employment. While this has enhanced the quality of lives of those and their families, it also created an imbalance. The impact of globalisation is the creation of disparities, taking away the balance. It has also led to the exploitation of natural resources, and their overuse has led to climate change. Some countries, and within them, particular communities have become vulnerable. Recognising diversity while ensuring unity has become a need. Expressing solidarity is needed more than at any time. Solidarity is essential for creating a just and equitable world. Poverty, healthcare needs, being prone to natural disasters, and risking inequalities warrant the support and solidarity of the world.
The Millennium Declaration has identified solidarity as one of the fundamental values of international relations. So are the UN SDGs, which aim at lifting people out of poverty, hunger and disease.
In 2005, the UN proclaimed 20 December as “International Human Solidarity Day” to promote the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing necessary for combating poverty, which has been observed since 2006. The day was chosen to coincide with the “World Solidarity Fund” creation in 2002. The observation serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and explore ways of promoting solidarity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal.
International solidarity expresses a spirit of unity among individuals, peoples, civil society actors, businesses, States, and international organisations to pursue networked multilateralism, promoting social cohesion and trust.
The principle of International Solidarity is the expression of consciousness about the interconnectedness of peoples and generations in the act of recognition of the rights of others and shared agency and responsibility to cooperate to address common challenges and protect global public goods.
Solidarity, as a central pillar of international cooperation, acquires new meaning in the face of globalisation and growing interdependence. “International Human Solidarity Day” observation is also an occasion to remind the governments of their commitments to international agreements in pursuit of the fight against poverty.
Several countries face significant challenges in expressing and fostering solidarity, often due to political, social, or economic issues. For example, countries like Venezuela(grappling with severe financial crises), Syria (continuing internalconflicts), Myanmar (political turmoil and human rights violations), and Yemen (prolonged civil war) are facing problems, making fostering solidarity a challenge. India has shown a strong commitment to solidarity, both domestically and internationally. Response to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic is an example of expression of solidarity.
Solidarity plays a crucial role in addressing poverty by fostering a sense of unity and mutual support within communities and across nations. Local communities can come together to support those in need through initiatives like food banks, shelters, and educational programs. Solidarity movements can advocate for policy changes to eradicate poverty, income inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare. By working together, communities can influence government policies to create more equitable systems.
The objective of international solidarity
is to create an enabling environment.
Toon: Shreya
Log: M Sai Baba
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