This year’s celebration of Human Solidarity Day, yesterday, December 20, came after leaders of the world adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is a new, inclusive development agenda — succeeding the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) — to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure dignity for all.
According to UN Secretary-General the new SDGs agenda is centred on people & planet, underpinned by human rights and supported by a global partnership determined to lift people out of poverty, hunger and disease. It is thus built on a foundation of global co-operation and solidarity.
By adopting the historic 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, world leaders expressed their resolve to seek shared progress and prosperity based on a spirit of global solidarity. The Paris Agreement on climate change marks another important milestone for our planet and all people.
These achievements were driven by two complementary goals: to leave no one behind, and to build a life of dignity for all. This spirit of global solidarity t must now inspire our collective response to other major challenges facing humankind.
This is especially true in addressing plight of the record number of people around the world forced from their homes and communities. Far too many have fled violent extremists only to be victimized again by xenophobia, discrimination and abuse.
“We must collectively challenge all those who stoke unfounded fears. Helping the vulnerable elevates us all.
With diversity under verbal and violent attack in so many parts of the world, let us make the most of International Human Solidarity Day by reaffirming our common humanity, defending our shared values and creating a better future for all”.
Solidarity is identified in the Millennium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st Century, wherein those who either suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most. Consequently, in the context of globalization and the challenge of growing inequality, strengthening of international solidarity is indispensable.
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.
We of Public Agenda urged all Ghanaians to show solidarity to one another as we celebrate the festive season, and carry same into 2016 and beyond.
Source- Public Agenda
