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Photo:Art by © Sadek Ahmed

International Human Solidarity Day (20 December) is an opportunity to reaffirm a simple truth: our shared future depends on how well we act together. Solidarity is woven through the United Nations Charter and the Organization’s daily work—uniting countries and communities to advance peace, human rights, and social and economic development.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is centred on people and planet, underpinned by human rights, and supported by a global partnership determined to end poverty and reduce inequality. International Human Solidarity Day invites everyone—governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals—to translate that commitment into practical cooperation.

International Human Solidarity Day is:

  • a day to celebrate our unity in diversity;
  • a day to remind governments to respect commitments to international agreements;
  • a day to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity;
  • a day to encourage debate on ways to promote solidarity for achieving the SDGs, including poverty eradication;
  • a day of action to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication.

Source: UN DESA

Background

Solidarity was identified in the United Nations Millennium Declaration as one of the fundamental values of international relations in the 21st century. In a world shaped by globalization and widening inequalities, strengthening international solidarity remains indispensable.

In 2005, the General Assembly affirmed solidarity as a fundamental and universal value that should underlie relations among peoples, and proclaimed 20 December of each year as International Human Solidarity Day (A/RES/60/209).

Earlier, in 2002, the General Assembly established the World Solidarity Fund to eradicate poverty and promote human and social development (A/RES/57/265), later set up as a trust fund of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Solidarity in action across the UN system

Solidarity becomes real when it is organized—through cooperation, predictable support, and shared responsibility. Across the UN system, this shows up in practical ways:

Humanitarian response where needs are greatest (OCHA/CERF)

The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) helps deliver life-saving assistance quickly and flexibly when crises strike—and when emergencies are chronically underfunded. CERF’s rapid response and underfunded windows enable timely support in overlooked and fast-moving emergencies.

International cooperation for refugees and host communities (UNHCR)

The Global Compact on Refugees is a framework for more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing, recognizing that sustainable solutions cannot be achieved without international cooperation—and that host communities need meaningful support.

Children first: resources and partnerships for results (UNICEF)

UNICEF is funded entirely by voluntary contributions. Transparent, flexible and multi-year financing helps sustain services for children—especially in crises and fragile settings.

Human rights and civic space for solidarity (OHCHR)

International solidarity is also about protecting the space for people and civil society to act—peacefully and safely—in pursuit of justice, equality, and human rights.

Key UN milestones

Take action

Ways to get involved—individually and collectively

Quick facts

Date: 20 December

Proclaimed by: UN General Assembly (A/RES/60/209)

Related UN mechanism: World Solidarity Fund (A/RES/57/265)

Core UN documents

UN-system resources to enrich the story

Related websites

Optional reading (social development follow-up)

a lady sitting with her arm on a pile of books

The independent expert on human rights and international solidarity was appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to develop a draft declaration on the right of peoples and individuals to international solidarity. In 2023, the Council extended the mandate of the independent expert by three years and appointed Ms. Cecilia M. Bailliet (Argentina) to the position.

Support civil society’s international solidarity efforts for peace - joint statement by UN experts

“Our Future Rests on Solidarity”

UN Women marks International Human Solidarity Day with message on gender equality. HeForShe is the United Nations' global solidarity movement for gender equality.

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International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool. We also mark other UN observances.

 

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