The guiding light of global policy

We can learn from history that genuine peace should never be considered as a simple absence of war, or as a facade that conceals latent conflicts and disputes. Lasting peace has to be based on authentic solidarity, which has an inexhaustible potential in all societies. Real success in promoting, defending and consolidating peace demands the universal recognition of solidarity as a fundamental value for all.

If it is adequately promoted and implemented, this value generates local, national, regional and global duties, the fulfillment of which is an imperative prerequisite of a peaceful and fruitful co-existence and active co-operation at all levels.

It should not be forgotten that solidarity is the key instrument to avoid a crisis. Peace and solidarity indicate the core messages to be conveyed today and tomorrow at the planetary level. They are not abstract concepts, but vital ideals to be achieved through collective efforts of all peoples.

In 2005 the UN General Assembly, representing today 193 countries, proclaimed the 20th of December as International Human Solidarity Day (IHSD). Unfortunately, IHSD was not taken seriously even at the UN, in spite of the fact that it offers an appropriate occasion to focus on the tremendous importance of solidarity for the achievement of the international agreements on sustainable development in all its complexity.

We may anticipate that starting in 2017, as recommended by the UN, December 20 will be considered as a day to celebrate unity in diversity; a day to remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements; a day to raise public awareness of the undisputable practical value of solidarity and to encourage responsible debates on the best ways and means to promote and consolidate solidarity at the local, national, regional and universal levels.

Solidarity has no artificial borders and can be a most useful bridge to universal recognition of the unavoidable and increasing interdependence of nations and peoples during the current process of globalization when many aspects of this process are subjected to serious but often justified criticism.

Solidarity must also be recognized as a unique and powerful engine of collective efforts to give globalization a genuine human face. If it truly proves to be a guiding light, it must be made a vibrant and dynamic component of an enlightened global policy.