International Human Solidarity Day (December 20): Meaning & Ideas
International Human Solidarity Day is observed every year on December 20. The United Nations uses the day to celebrate unity in diversity, remind governments of their promises to end poverty, and encourage everyone to see that the world’s biggest problems — from hunger to pandemics to climate change — can only be solved together.
| Name | International Human Solidarity Day |
|---|---|
| When | Every year on December 20 |
| Next date | Sunday, December 20, 2026 · in 57 days |
| Type | International & World Days |
| Observed in | Worldwide |
| Topic | Awareness & Causes |
| First observed | 2005 |
| Founded by | United Nations |
| Hashtag | #HumanSolidarityDay |
| Key facts | |
|---|---|
| Date | December 20 every year |
| Proclaimed by | UN General Assembly, resolution 60/209 (December 22, 2005) |
| First observed | December 20, 2006 |
| Based on | Solidarity as a fundamental value in the UN Millennium Declaration (2000) |
| Related fund | World Solidarity Fund for poverty eradication (established 2002) |
| Hashtags | #HumanSolidarityDay #SolidarityDay |
What Does “Solidarity” Mean?
Solidarity is the feeling and practice of standing together — recognising that we share responsibilities and that the wellbeing of one group is linked to the wellbeing of others. The UN Millennium Declaration describes it this way: global challenges must be managed so that costs and burdens are shared fairly, and those who suffer or benefit least deserve help from those who benefit most.
“I am because we are.” — the African philosophy of Ubuntu, one of the oldest expressions of human solidarity
History of the Day
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2000 | UN Millennium Declaration names solidarity as a fundamental value of international relations |
| 2002 | UN General Assembly creates the World Solidarity Fund to fight poverty |
| 2005 | Resolution 60/209 proclaims December 20 as International Human Solidarity Day |
| 2006 | First International Human Solidarity Day |
| 2015 | The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development builds on solidarity: “leave no one behind” |
Why the UN Observes Human Solidarity Day
- To celebrate unity in diversity across cultures, religions and nations.
- To remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements.
- To raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity.
- To encourage debate on ways to promote solidarity for the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty.
- To inspire new initiatives for poverty eradication.
Solidarity in Action: Real-World Examples
| Example | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Disaster relief after earthquakes, floods and cyclones | Rescue teams and donations crossing borders within hours |
| Global vaccination campaigns | Smallpox eradication (1980) and the near-elimination of polio required worldwide cooperation |
| Blood and organ donation | Strangers saving strangers |
| Solidarność (Poland, 1980) | A trade union movement whose name literally means “Solidarity” helped bring peaceful change in Central Europe |
| Community food banks and mutual aid | Neighbours supporting neighbours in hard times |
| Remittances from migrants | Families across borders supporting each other |
👉 From Poland’s history: Poland Independence Day — November 11
Solidarity and the Sustainable Development Goals
| SDG | How solidarity helps |
|---|---|
| Goal 1 — No poverty | Fair sharing of resources and social protection |
| Goal 2 — Zero hunger | Food aid and support for small farmers |
| Goal 3 — Good health | Vaccines and medicines for everyone, not just rich countries |
| Goal 10 — Reduced inequalities | Fair trade, fair taxes and inclusion of marginalised groups |
| Goal 13 — Climate action | Richer nations supporting countries most affected by climate change |
| Goal 17 — Partnerships | Governments, businesses and citizens working together |
10 Ways to Show Solidarity on December 20
- Donate to a food bank or winter clothing drive.
- Volunteer at a shelter or community kitchen.
- Check on an elderly or isolated neighbour.
- Support fair-trade and local businesses.
- Learn about a community different from your own.
- Give blood or register as an organ donor.
- Stand up against discrimination when you see it.
- Support humanitarian organisations working in crisis zones.
- Share accurate information to counter hate and misinformation.
- Teach children about kindness, sharing and fairness.
Famous Words on Solidarity
- “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
- “No one is free when others are oppressed.” — a widely shared saying from civil rights movements
- “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — popular proverb often attributed to African tradition
👉 Related observances: International Volunteer Day — December 5
👉 Plan ahead: All December observances
When is International Human Solidarity Day?
International Human Solidarity Day is observed every year on December 20. Here are the dates for the coming years:
| Year | Date | Day of the week | Countdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 20, 2026 | Sunday | in 57 days |
| 2027 | December 20, 2027 | Monday | in 422 days |
| 2028 | December 20, 2028 | Wednesday | in 788 days |
| 2029 | December 20, 2029 | Thursday | in 1153 days |
| 2030 | December 20, 2030 | Friday | in 1518 days |
| 2031 | December 20, 2031 | Saturday | in 1883 days |
FAQs About Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day is observed every year on December 20.
The UN General Assembly established it in resolution 60/209, adopted on December 22, 2005. The first observance was in 2006.
It celebrates unity in diversity, reminds governments of their commitments, raises awareness of solidarity and promotes action to end poverty.
It is a UN trust fund created in 2002 to help eradicate poverty and promote human and social development in developing countries.
Volunteer, donate, support people in need in your community, and learn about global issues such as poverty and inequality.