International Human Solidarity Day
Promoting Solidarity to Realize Human Rights and Sustainability
Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze
Zhang-men-ren of Tai Ji Men
Vice President of the Association of World Citizens,
NGO in Consultative Status with ECOSOC and Associated with the UN DPI
President of the Federation of World Peace and Love
December 20, 2022
Distinguished Guests, Dear Friends, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good day!
Welcome! We appreciate your participation as we take real action and celebrate the UN-designated International Human Solidarity Day. In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 20th as the International Human Solidarity Day to promote peace, human rights, humanity, as well as social and economic development. It serves as a reminder to foster human solidarity, respect diversity, and promote a culture of unity and sharing. In the United Nations Millennium Declaration, world leaders concurred that solidarity is one of the fundamental values essential to international relations in the 21st century. As global citizens share common interests, goals, and sentiments, by consolidating their strength, they can transform it into a powerful force that benefits everyone.
In response to the impact of globalization and deepening inequalities, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals, which cover three key aspects: environmental protection, social justice, and economic growth. Each calls for strong and powerful international solidarity and collaboration. Solidarity is a strategy, a wisdom, and a necessity as it is the key to accelerating the realization of our sustainable development goals.
With respect to environmental protection, human greed and selfishness have caused destruction and frequent natural and man-made disasters around the world. Humans must correct their own mistakes and learn to live in harmony with nature and all other living creatures, as well as uphold their commitments to environmental protection and ecological balance so that all life on Earth will continue to flourish. The Earth has sufficient resources to sustain humans and all other living things. This, however, depends on moderation motivated by conscience and love. We should help one another for our mutual benefit and take the initiative to share and distribute our resources to ensure they reach the people and places in need. By practicing moderation, sharing, and finding the balance of yin and yang, we can foster the spirit of solidarity: "One for all, all for one.” For their common interests, coexistence, and shared prosperity, all countries need to make adjustments to ensure that everyone has access to resources and that they balance the use of limited resources.
In terms of social justice and economic development, as international interdependence continues to deepen, conscience-based solidarity is the key to resolving the chronic and interconnected economic, political, and social problems. If we are to achieve true sustainability and balance, we have to change our habits and behavior. World citizens need to unite and strive to promote peace and human rights, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to grow as a person and that their human rights are protected. Through selfless sharing, solidarity, and cooperation, we will achieve common prosperity, promoting international peace and stability.
Harmony is the key to success, and solidarity is the key to strength. Solidarity among people will bring harmony to their communities and nations. Solidarity among nations will help them complement one another and foster exchanges and mutual learning. In the face of challenges, let us replace division with unity, confrontation with cooperation, and exclusion with tolerance. Solidarity gives us courage and hope and brings the opportunities and momentum to change the world.
Human rights protection and global partnerships are the cornerstones of sustainable development, which focuses on a harmonious relationship between humans and the Earth, helping lift people out of poverty, hunger, and disease. The realization of these goals must be based on the embodiment of everyone’s conscience as well as global solidarity and cooperation. Let us promote interracial and intercultural dialogue, work together, and foster reconciliation to allow all people to enjoy peace, health, and happiness.
Solidarity is power. Global citizens are encouraged to respect one another and carry forward the spirit of solidarity while seeking common ground. They are also encouraged to facilitate dialogue, coordination, and cooperation to improve global economic governance and amplify humanity’s common interests so that they will be able to work for the development of all nations, the welfare of humankind, and the progress of the world. Solidarity can serve as the foundation for a stable international order that advances human civilization and realizes fundamental human rights and freedom for all.
Our future depends on the cooperation and solidarity of global citizens. From now on, every day, let us follow our conscience, put aside our selfishness, and take responsibility for our actions in our daily lives. Everyone should be able to participate in the plans, policies, and programs that determine the common future of humanity. Promoting the unity of the human family is something that all world citizens can do to achieve our common sustainable development goals.
Conscience is our compass; we are all in the same boat.
Solidarity is the foundation; we need to help and cooperate with one another.
With balance in nature, the sustainable development of the Earth will be achieved.
Let us promote peace and human rights so that we can all enjoy our shared prosperity.