Cotonou, Benin - UPF-West Africa organized two events to celebrate the United Nations International Human Solidarity Day 2013. "The Responsibility of Ambassadors for Peace for Building a World of Peace and Solidarity" was the theme of a program on Dec. 21, 2013 under the sponsorship of the Benin Government Minister of Family and National Solidarity, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the UN Representative and Resident in Benin. The program in the festival hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs featured appointments of Ambassadors for Peace and dinner, concluding with a cultural program. Solidarity for Peace trophies were presented to recognize Ambassadors for Peace who demonstrated outstanding altruism. Among the participants were several high government officials, diplomats, political and administrative officials, health professionals, businessmen, bankers, civil society leaders, and the media.
A second celebration took place in Ouidah, the historical capital of Benin, sponsored by the mayor, in cooperation with other mayors. Ambassadors for Peace will be appointed.
In his message for International Human Solidarity Day 2012, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, "Solidarity is crucial to solving problems in our interconnected world. ... We can reach our shared goals if people are able to participate in the formulation and implementation of plans, policies and program to shape our common future."
In 2005 The UN General Assembly identified solidarity as one of the fundamental and universal values that should underlie relations between peoples and established December 20 as International Human Solidarity Day. The World Solidarity Fund was set up in 2003 through the United Nations Development Programme to eradicate poverty and promote human and social development in developing countries.