From the Website of United Nations
links: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=40793&Cr=solidarity&Cr1=
Solutions for global challenges can only be achieved through solidarity – UN officials
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
“Solidarity must be the foundation for global solutions,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in his message marking International Human Solidarity Day, observed annually on 20 December. “In a world of common challenges, no nation can succeed on its own, but by working together in common cause, we can build a safer, more prosperous future for all.”
Our times demand something different. We need big thinking, bold action and efforts to connect the dots among global challenges
In his message, Mr. Ban recalled calling on world leaders at the General
Assembly debate in September to pay greater attention to five
imperatives: achieving sustainable development, preventing conflict,
stopping human rights abuses, mitigating the impact of natural
disasters, and engaging the talents of women and young people. Without
solidarity, Mr. Ban stressed, none of these can be achieved.
“This will not happen by itself. Nor will it happen with business as
usual. Our times demand something different. We need big thinking, bold
action and efforts to connect the dots among global challenges,” he
said.
General Assembly President Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser echoed Mr. Ban’s
remarks, highlighting that the current economic crisis, a constantly
changing political sphere, and extreme weather conditions all threaten
to slow down development if they are not tackled in a concerted manner
by States.
“Common challenges require common responses. It is my wholehearted
belief that solidarity, cooperation, and partnership between Member
States, the UN system and civil society are the cornerstone of efforts
to move forward,” Mr. Al-Nasser said.
Mr. Al-Nasser also emphasized the importance of solidarity between
developed and developing countries and said the upcoming UN Conference
on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in Brazil in June will be “a
distinct opportunity to reinvigorate the international community’s
commitment to achieving its sustainable development goals, as well as
reaching global consensus on the eradication of poverty and global
inequality. It is our chance to ensure that the benefits of sustainable
development are extended to people of all countries.”
Virginia Dandan, the UN expert on Human Rights and International Solidarity, said
solidarity should be seen not as mere rhetoric or act of charity, but
as an effective way to respond to threats, drawing strength from
partners and expressing a common humanity.
“Solidarity should, and must be a positive force in the lives of people
and of nations, and must therefore be protected from exploitation and
corruption,” she said, adding that world leaders should see it as a key
factor for progress.
“Our common future is at risk and our common present is under grave
threat and yet, world leaders continue the illusion that the crowds and
their loud clamour for justice and fair distribution of resources, will
eventually tire and go away in due time,” she said.
“Their shortsightedness comes with the inability to see the chain that
links together climate change, food crises, water scarcity, energy
shortages, population pressure and displacement. These global challenges
require multilateral global responses.”
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