Readers unanimous in vote to extend solidarity

Dubai: Gulf News readers take a step towards a better future, as the world celebrates International Human Solidarity Day on Sunday.

It is a day that was established by the United Nations (UN) in 2005 to remind everyone of the fight against poverty.

Keyur Louis Athaide, an Indian expatriate residing in Dubai, lives with the idea of sharing.

He said: "I can afford to make contributions to charity organisations and I think if you are capable of earning more than others, there is no harm in sharing. We need to be thoughtful about the people around us, too."

According to the UN, there are more than a billion people in the world who are surviving on less than a dollar (Dh3.67) a day.

Athaide believes that not everyone is open to the idea of donating, regardless of their cultural background.

Way to unite

On its website, the UN states that International Human Solidarity Day is a way to unite the world and focus on a common goal. Irrespective of borders, culture and race, the world population is reminded of their responsibility towards the planet and its inhabitants.

Malek Iftikhar Hussain, a Pakistani expatriate, embraces this attitude.

He said: "I am always willing to help people, regardless of their cultural background. I give donations to non-governmental organisations [NGO] and other charitable associations."

While he is willing to help other members of the society, Hussain holds a very positive attitude about the current situation.

He said: "The term ‘poor' should be associated with those who lack knowledge, emotions or dreams."

However, the generic definition of poverty worldwide paints another, more brutal, picture.

UN studies show that for many people in developing countries, poverty means walking almost two kilometres every day to collect water or firewood and suffering from diseases that have already been eradicated in rich countries.

Due to a lack of resources, more than six million children die every year from preventable diseases like malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia.

Melanie Poblete, a Filipina expatriate, thinks that helping such children is most important.

Important to help

She said: "In cases of natural calamities, where you would expect a spread of common diseases, it is important for people like us to help those in need. It isn't important whether you're Asian or Westerner."

Jamie Watson, an American expatriate, agrees.

She said: "Giving charity is a way to feel grateful for what you have. Most of us give donations out of the need to help the less fortunate." Watson, however, doesn't think that the concept of solidarity is feasible in today's world.

She said: "There is a sense of greed amongst some people and if it isn't curbed, they wouldn't do anything except care for themselves. Only some dedicated people would be strongly affected by another person's suffering. I believe that majority of the people give donations to people from their own societies."

Has the concept of solidarity lost relevance in today's society? How has our changed lifestyle impacted the way we express solidarity towards social causes?