International Day of Human Fraternity and our Environment

Building Harmony Between Humanity and Nature

“The International Day of Human Fraternity” is celebrated by the United Nations on February 4 since 2021 with this year’s theme, “Dialogue Over Division.” The observance is to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue as the environmental sustainability, peace and social justice are inseparable, and degradation of nature often stems from conflict and selfishness. The theme also intimately linked to the environment that foster solidarity and peace among humans is essential for safeguarding our “Common home, the Earth”.

This day is inspired by the historic signing of the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” in 2019 by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, which marked a commitment to promote global unity and brotherhood. The day recognizes the importance of tolerance and respect among individuals, irrespective of their religious, country or cultural differences.
Human fraternity deeply relates to environmental protection, as respecting one another also means protecting our shared planet -through collective action against pollution and climate change.

We all being humanity, which necessitates a shared responsibility to protect the Earth for the present and future. The UN resolution (75/200) that established the day specifically links the promotion of a “culture of peace” with efforts to meet the environmental and developmental needs of current and future generations. The document on human fraternity, implies a moral duty to care for the environment as a fundamental part of human solidarity to end conflicts, which are a major contributor to environmental destruction.
Fraternity is framed as a, “an antidote to hate” and a tool for sustainable development. It promotes solidarity over self-interest by shifting away from selfish, consumerist and destructive actions towards cooperative efforts that respect natural resources. Integral Ecology recognizes that environmental crises are inseparable from social issues, encouraging holistic and sustainable living.

In essence, the day calls for a world where people are united in caring for one another and the planet, recognizing that true peace requires environmental sustainability. We cannot achieve lasting peace if we continue to destroy the natural resources that sustain us. The human fraternity, emphasizes that the environment is a shared responsibility and is interpreted as a duty for all with good will to care for nature. Environmental degradation and climate change are the factors that disproportionately impact the vulnerable -the poor and refugees -thereby damaging human fraternity and peace.

The human fraternity is not just about interfaith dialogue on peace, but also acting as stewards of the Earth, as promoted by initiatives like the UNEP’s “Faith for Earth Coalition.” Fraternity isn’t just about how we treat each other; it is about how we treat our home. The environment is the ultimate foundation of our shared existence. We cannot have a peaceful, fraternal world if we destroy the planet that supports us. Just as we fight against prejudice-racism, xenophobia, we must fight environmental degradation. Climate change, pollution and resource depletion do not have borders; they affect everyone equally.

Environmental stewardship is an act of love and solidarity -a true expression of fraternity. By taking small, concrete actions -reducing plastic, conserving water, planting trees and protecting biodiversity -we show respect for our fellow humans, both today and for future generations. We cannot have a stable society if our environmental foundation is crumbling.

Environmental degradation, such as climate change and pollution impacts the society, often leading to conflict over resources. But fraternity is a bridge between people. Conscience, good thoughts and good deeds are the driving forces of Earth’s sustainability. We should focus on the well-being of all humanity to create a culture of peace with conscience, and establish a peaceful state of world unity.
Only by awakening conscience, implementing human rights protection with fraternity and creating a global environment of peace and mutual understanding, we will be able to forge a path to a sustainable future.
By planting trees, reducing waste and protecting our local ecosystems, we are performing acts of fraternity for our humanity and for the generations to come. Peace needs fraternity, and fraternity needs a healthy planet. Let us live in a way that respects humanity, pledge to move from dialogue to action and our fraternity extend to the Earth itself to honors our planet and ensures a sustainable and peaceful world for all.

(Dr. N. Munal Meitei)
Environmentalist, presently working as DFO/Chandel, email-numall@yahoo.in

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MB Luwang

Forest and Environmental reporter at The ForestTimes.

अंतरराष्ट्रीय मानव बंधुता दिवस और हमारा पर्यावरण