International Human Solidarity Day ‘Once-in-a-Generation’ Opportunity for All to Help Shape New Sustainable Development Agenda

Following is UN Secretary‑General Ban Ki‑moon’s message for International Human Solidarity Day, to be observed on 20 December:

This year’s observance of International Human Solidarity Day comes as the world shapes a new sustainable development agenda to succeed the Millennium Development Goals, the largest anti-poverty campaign in history, by 2015.

Member States, the United Nations system, experts, representatives of civil society, business executives and millions of individuals from all corners of the globe, have come together with a shared sense of purpose to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.

The new agenda will centre on people and planet.  It will be underpinned by human rights and supported by a global partnership determined to lift people from poverty, hunger and disease.  It will be built on a foundation of global cooperation and solidarity.

The United Nations believes that solidarity with people affected by poverty and an absence of human rights is vital.  Based on equality, inclusion and social justice, solidarity implies a mutual obligation across the global community.

As we map our future development path, we must be firm in our commitment to champion solidarity and shared responsibility as part of the sustainable development agenda.  These are fundamental values that must be upheld.

Only through collective action can we address such far-reaching issues as poverty and growing inequality, climate change, chronic poverty and major health challenges, such as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

On International Human Solidarity Day, I call for a renewed commitment to collective action.  Let us act together as one to end poverty, achieve shared prosperity and peace, protect the planet and foster a life of dignity for all.