IIMSAM Official Dr. Naseer Homoud Commemorated International Human Solidarity Day

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(Free-Press-Release.com) December 19, 2010 --

Commemorating the International Human Solidarity Day, Dr. Naseer Homoud- Goodwill Ambassador and Director of Middle East office for the Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), the Permanent Observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council said “embracing the value of Solidarity would be critical in order to reach the MDGs, particularly where poverty and hunger are concerned. We all should effort to build solidarity within the international community, and create an environment favorable to developing countries in its impact on poverty alleviation. This day also aims to remind all of us on the importance of solidarity in working towards eradicating poverty”.

Observing the day Dr. Homoud noted that the UN Development Agenda, which was defined by the UN global conferences and summits since the 1990s, was firmly embedded in the principles of solidarity. He stated that human solidarity on a global scale would be needed to combat poverty and starvation, conflict, and environmental degradation causing climate change, as these ills would have consequences for the entire world. Disease and epidemics were destroying the most productive groups in society. He urged that partnerships be formed based on common interest and solidarity, and for all to oppose the vision of the world as a battlefield of nations.

“The idea of solidarity on a global scale can transform the contemporary world. It is the only logical opportunity to meet today’s challenges”, said Dr. Homoud. He further reminded that UN Charter states that the concept of solidarity has defined the work of the United Nations since the birth of the Organization. The creation of the United Nations drew the peoples and nations of the world together to promote peace, human rights and social and economic development. The organization was founded on a basic premise of unity and harmony among its members expressed in the concept of collective security that relies on the solidarity of its members to unite “to maintain international peace and security”. It is in the spirit of solidarity that the organization relies on “cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character” as well. “It is also a day for us, as individuals, to do our bit. It’s an opportunity for us to celebrate our unity in diversity, and to encourage new initiatives for poverty eradication”, said Dr. Homoud.

Dr. Homoud urged that solidarity with marginalized people who are oppressed and subject to poverty is the basic element of any egalitarian society. He said “starvation remains the weapon of massive destruction against millions of people”, he also highlighted additional challenges, including disease, epidemics, environmental destruction, terrorist acts against civilians, and the world’s helplessness in face of natural disaster. He called for unified efforts in which every spectrum of the society be it UN family, supporting organizations and governments or individuals should come on a common platform to address the issues of downtrodden people, “this day is the occasion where we pledge ourselves and renew our commitments to fight for the cause of oppressed people, this day also remind us that solidarity for the oppressed people is a must phenomenon and it should be continued under any adverse circumstances” he added while addressing the gathering assembled to mark the day.

“It is the time when we should reaffirm that our common fundamental values, including freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for all human rights, respect for nature and shared responsibility, are essential to accelerating progress on the MDGs” said Dr. Homoud. He said that both the accomplishment of the MDGs and the realization of the Right to Development, require international solidarity and cooperation- not only between governments rather also between people to people- especially as envisaged in the MDG-8 on the global partnership for development. He urged for enhanced coordination between governments for accomplishment of MDGs; he went on to say “there are several opportunities to enhance international cooperation in support of the more vulnerable members of the international community and states must act on it forthwith”.

“Very urgent actions are required if we are truly sincere in achieving the targets as outlined in Millennium Developments Goals on the United Nation” Dr. Homoud urged. “Solidarity is an effective tool for going in the masses to address their problems and to draw immediate attention of governments of the catastrophic situations which our world of plenty is facing”, said Dr. Homoud.

Dr. Naseer Homoud     IIMSAM     solidarity