Solidarity is the cornerstone of the United Nations, and this is highlighted on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20. Founded on the basis of unity and harmony among its members, the UN relies on member solidarity to support international peace and security. On December 22, 2005, the UN General Assembly designated International Human Solidarity Day, and proclaimed solidarity as a fundamental, universal value that must underlie relationships between people in the 21st Century.
The UN Millennium Declaration of September 2000 described a key aspect of solidarity as providing assistance to those suffering or benefiting the least, from those benefiting the most. This declaration resonated at COP 27 as nations met to discuss scarcity of food and water, climate change investment and development, future energy sources, and the sustainability of vulnerable communities. After 30 years of discussion, the COP 27 delegates agreed to establish a fund to compensate developing nations for disastrous impacts of global warming made worse by pollution from wealthy nations. This important first step reflects solidarity, but many difficult details are yet to be determined. Hopefully the spirit of the Millennium Declaration will prevail. The books I highlight this month use local solidarity to empower individual and community action in the fight against climate change.
Bat Count by Anna Forrester tells of a family’s response to the declining population of bats in their barn. By participating in a citizen science project, the family learns about bats, their ecosystem, and the satisfaction of contributing to scientific research. Lower School students will be inspired by this award winning book.
Middle School students will be intrigued by Rebecca Stefoff and Naomi Klein’s How to Change Everything. The book has three parts: where we are, how we got here, and what happens next. The authors explore the difficult realities of climate change and its disproportionate impact on the poor and people of color. Though describing hard realities, the book inspires compassion, conviction and action.
In The New Possible, twenty-seven global leaders offer their visions of a better future created through solidarity. Philip Clayton contributes to and edits this collective work. The essays provide roadmaps of what is possible if we move forward with solidarity. Older students will be encouraged and challenged to engage in a global awakening.
For 2023, I wish the human family increased solidarity in meeting the challenges of our time.
– Karlyn Strand, Librarian