International Human Solidarity Day- December 20
Every year, December 20 is observed as the International Human Solidarity Day. The day highlights the importance of solidarity in removing poverty. Solidarity has been a key point of the United Nations since the formation of the organization in the year 1945.
What is Human Solidarity Day?
The International Human solidarity day is celebrated as a day-
- for celebrating unity in diversity;
- reminding countries to respect their commitments to international pacts and agreements;
- raising public awareness about the importance of solidarity;
- encouraging debate on how to promote solidarity for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals comprising of poverty eradication;
- encouraging actions for new initiatives on poverty eradication.
Background
- On 22 December 2005, the UN General Assembly identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values by resolution 60/209 and decided to observe 20 December as International Human Solidarity Day every year.
- On 20 December 2002, the UN General Assembly created the World Solidarity Fund by resolution 57/265. It was set up in February 2003 as a trust fund of UNDP.
On International Human Solidarity Day, the United Nations encourages new initiatives for the eradication of poverty and many events are held all over the world to mark the day. However, this year the celebrations are affected due to COVID-19.
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the development network of the United Nations that works towards promoting investment and technical cooperation between countries. It also provides financial support as grants, training, and advice to developing countries. It was formed in the year 1965 and is headquartered in New York.