Manila, Philippines – The United Nations General Assembly identified solidarity as one of the fundamental values that should underline international relations in the 21st century when it declared December 20 each year as International Human Solidarity Day.
The primary objective of the celebration is to perpetuate the consciousness that the September 11, 2001, tragedy brought and to symbolize a renewal of human aspirations that will serve as a foundation of all civilizations, and not as a day of grief and fear.
Despite the encouraging signs of progress made towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, deep disparities remain among and within countries. The condition of our contemporary world calls on us to answer the simple question about what direction do we want to take and what meaning are we willing to assign to the concept of the human race.
Globalization has left the world economically divided between countries that enjoy unimaginable wealth and those that are crippled in poverty. Development gains have been put at risk by economic and financial disturbances, the instability in food and energy prices, the impact of natural calamities, and the rising unemployment.
International Human Solidarity Day highlights the importance of acting in common on behalf of these issues and the world’s most vulnerable peoples. Promoting the culture of solidarity and the spirit of sharing is important in combating the inequalities in the lives of the poor, the sick, the hungry, those enduring abuse, those deprived of health and education, discrimination or violations of their rights. MABUHAY!