With a little help from my friends

In today’s interconnected world, there’s great need for -  and great opportunities to - making global solidarity even more solid. The theme for International Solidarity Day 2012 is global partnership for building shared prosperity.

“This year’s observance of International Human Solidarity Day comes during a period of dramatic transition.  People across the world are demanding greater political freedom, accountability and equality.  Global interdependence is deepening along economic, social, and environmental dimensions”, Ban Ki-moon says, noting that solidarity is crucial to solving problems in our interconnected world.

The Solidarity Day that is celebrated 20 December every year, a time where many people are looking forward and deciding on their resolutions for the New Year.

“Despite progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, we must intensify our efforts before the target date of 2015.  We are also laying the groundwork for the post-2015 agenda.  The process aims to be participatory, seeking the views of development experts and ordinary citizens around the world”, Ban explains.

“We can reach our shared goals if people are able to participate in the formulation and implementation of plans, policies and programmes to shape our common future. Commitments without empowerment are words without meaning”, he ascertains.

“On International Human Solidarity Day I call on all citizens of the world to help us advance solidarity as a global family – and reach our shared goals.”