Welcome to the United Nations
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a renewed global commitment to not only end poverty and hunger but also achieve social inclusion, universal social protection, reduction of inequalities and environmental sustainability, all requiring fundamental changes in the way our societies function.
The 2030 Agenda recognizes that a holistic approach is needed and that business-as-usual is no longer an option. If we are to realize the transformational vision of the 2030 Agenda, it is crucial to look at alternative development strategies that promote global cooperation, solidarity, and inclusiveness.
The concept of solidarity has defined the work of the United Nations since the birth of the Organization. The creation of the United Nations drew the peoples and nations of the world together to promote peace, human rights and social and economic development. The organization 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”.
It is in the spirit of solidarity that the organization relies on “cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character” as well.
The General Assembly, on 22 December 2005, by resolution 60/209 identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples in the Twenty-first century, and in that regard decided to proclaim 20 December of each year International Human Solidarity Day.
International Human Solidarity Day is:
- a day to celebrate our unity in diversity;
- a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements;
- a day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
- a day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals including poverty eradication;
- a day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.
“What does SOLIDARITY mean to you?”
UNDESA DSPD is launching a campaign from 18 to 22 December 2017 on “What does SOLIDARITY mean to you?”. Please share your message, photo, drawing or a 15 second” video using hashtag #SolidarityDay or #2getherwith followed by the cause you support.
We will showcase the best selection on our portal United Nations Social Development Network (UNSDN) and our social media platforms!
Join us on:
Facebook facebook.com/UNDESASocial | facebook.com/InternationalHumanSolidarityDay Twitter: https://twitter.com/UNDESASocial Instagram: http://instagram.com/undesasocial
Additional Resources:
UN Department of Public Information (DPI) UN Independent Expert on International Solidarity