Solidarity as a Practical Expression of Shared Humanity

On this International Human Solidarity Day, we are called to reflect on a principle that is both simple and profound: our shared humanity is the strongest foundation for a peaceful world.

International Human Solidarity Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 60/209 of 22 December 2005 and is observed annually on 20 December to affirm solidarity as a shared responsibility of states and societies in an interdependent world. The observance underscores that challenges such as poverty, inequality and social fragmentation cannot be addressed in isolation. Within the United Nations framework, solidarity is recognized as a foundational principle for achieving sustainable development and peaceful coexistence, as reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its guiding commitment to leave no one behind.

The Universal Peace Federation is built upon the conviction that humanity is one family under God. Founded by Dr. Hak Ja Han and late Dr. Sun Myung Moon, UPF advances a vision of peace grounded in interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values. From this perspective, solidarity is a practical ethic expressed in shared responsibilities, fair policies and long term partnerships. When human dignity is understood as shared, the wellbeing of one community cannot be separated from the wellbeing of others. As UPF founders often emphasized, peace among nations begins when people recognize one another as members of one human family. This recognition is the first and most crucial step toward building a culture of peace. Echoing this conviction, Dr. Hak Ja Han founded the global Peace Starts With Me campaign, which has mobilized thousands in mass rallies and local actions since its launch, inviting individuals worldwide to embrace personal responsibility for peace and translate it into practical community engagement.

Across regions, UPF initiatives give practical expression to solidarity through community led action. UPF Ambassadors for Peace work with local partners to support initiatives shaped and led by communities themselves, bringing together people of different faiths, professions and generations. These efforts range from community events that bridge religious divides to youth-led environmental and social projects supported by UPF networks. Such initiatives foster shared responsibility rather than one directional charity, and show that joint action and sustained relationships build lasting trust.

From local practice, this experience is elevated to broader dialogue and policy engagement. UPF programs consistently highlight interdependence by connecting community level learning with parliamentary and academic discussion. Through the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace, legislators exchange experience on inclusive approaches to governance that strengthen trust, resilience and social cohesion. Academic dialogues convened by the International Association of Academicians for Peace examine how education and research can cultivate empathy, civic responsibility and global citizenship among younger generations.

In this context, UPF contributes to discussion on ethical economic development and responsible partnership. Initiatives linked to the International Association for Peace and Economic Development highlight practical models of social entrepreneurship and locally grounded economic cooperation that strengthen community resilience and reduce structural disparities, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced inequalities) and Sustainable Development Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Crises, from pandemics to natural disasters, reveal the indispensability of solidarity. Experience across UPF networks has shown that effective response is born not from isolated effort, but from cooperation that transcends borders, cultures and belief systems. Through coordinated assistance and locally rooted partnerships, UPF initiatives have focused on protecting vulnerable populations without distinction, confirming that solidarity must be cultivated as a durable social capacity through long term investment in inclusive institutions, social protection and community resilience.

Therefore, on this International Human Solidarity Day, I, on behalf of the Universal Peace Federation, extend a kind invitation to move beyond declarations. Let us build partnerships in which shared humanity is translated into shared action, in supporting refugees, educating children, empowering women and caring for our planet. When solidarity is practiced consistently, it advances peace, development and human dignity by shaping policies, institutions and daily life. In this spirit, International Human Solidarity Day resonates with UPF’s vision of humanity as One Family under God, in which solidarity is both a moral duty and a practical framework for shared progress.

Dr. Tageldin Hamad
President, Universal Peace Federation