International Human Solidarity Day: Theme, Quotes & Importance

Solidarity is one of the core values enshrined in the UN Charter. It is indeed one of the most effective tools to bring about a positive change on a global level. To celebrate this spirit of solidarity and unity, International Human Solidarity Day is observed on  20 December every year.

It is one of the official observances of the United Nations that promotes international solidarity as an important means to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication.

The observance acts like a reminder to the member states of the United Nations about their respective commitments to various international agreements with respect to the promotion of unity, human solidarity, and global partnership.

Objective: Why is International Human Solidarity Day observed?

United Nations observes the International Human Solidarity Day with the following objectives:

• to celebrate our unity in diversity
• to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements
•  to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity
• to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication
•  to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication

History & Background

The United Nations established a World Solidarity Fund in 2003 with an aim to eradicate poverty and promote human &  social development in developing countries. World Solidarity Fund was set up as a trust fund for the United Nations Development Program(UNDP).

Later, on 22 December 2005, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution (A/RES/60/209) declaring 20 December as the International Human Solidarity Day. The resolution recalls the United Nations Millennium Declaration that incorporates “solidarity” as one of the fundamental and universal values. The Declaration further emphasizes the role of solidarity as the underlying basis of human relations in the 21st century.

International Human Solidarity Theme

Unlike most international observances,  no theme has been chosen this year to observe the International Human Solidarity Day.  You can read the latest official UN statement/ speech on the International Human Solidarity Day at the United Nation’s official website page.

How to observe International Human Solidarity Day?

There are many ways in which one can observe International Human Solidarity Day. You can talk about its importance and encourage meaningful conversation at the local level. You can raise awareness about the observance by using hashtags like #humansolidarityday #internationalhumansolidarityday on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. You can also make posters and promote the spirit of global unity and solidarity.

Famous Quotes on Solidarity

“Solidarity is a beautiful word because it means that you reach out to those who are different from you and who have to cope with different circumstances because we recognize that we all share the same human needs and same values. It is the values that count most of all. The value of freedom of thought, the value of democratic practices, the value of respect for your fellow human beings.”-Aung San Suu Kyi

 

“You don’t fight racism with racism, the best way to fight racism is with solidarity.”-Bobby Seale

 

“Solidarity is not an act of charity, but mutual aid between forces fighting for the same objective.”-Samora Machel

 

“The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings.”- Albert Schweitze

 

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”-Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

“Concord, solidarity, and mutual help are the most important means of enabling animal species to survive.”- Christian Lous Lange

 

“There is no stability without solidarity and no solidarity without stability.”-Jose Manuel Barroso