Friday, December 20, 2019

International Human Solidarity Day 2019

Every December 20th is International Human Solidarity Day.


Started in 2005 by the UN, today is a day to observe, remind, and support the world's population in the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples in the twenty-first century. Of the observance, Ban Ki-Moon, eighth Secretary General of the United Nations succinctly said, "We all have a role in overcoming today’s economic, political, environmental and social challenges, and we must all share the costs and benefits of sustainable development according to needs and ability. This is the essence of justice, fairness and equity. It is the meaning of solidarity."

The U.N. has set forth a new set of Sustainable Development Goals. "The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The Goals interconnect and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve each Goal and target by 2030."

For those of us in the United States, but also for many in other parts of the world, these dark days should motivate us to rise above the ugliness, hatred, and divisiveness and affirm the value of the human being. We can be better than the leaders who are leading us away from humanism and core values of decency, and we can be better than the small percentage of people who are misguided enough to work against the interests of our species.

https://www.un.org/en/events/humansolidarityday/

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