Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal rights and dignity

     

   The 2018 theme, "Coming together with those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal rights and dignity" reminds us of the importance of the values of dignity and solidarity, as well as the call to action to end poverty everywhere.

     Some of the poorest people are the most dignified. And some of the richest lack dignity. In a world of poverty and injustice, who are the undignified? Is it the poor or the rich?

     Dignity is a word that overturns traditional assumptions about north and south, developed and developing. Dignity lens introduces an irony whereby the "less developed" can actually be more dignified. In this way, development becomes a truly global endeavors not by the "developed" for the "developing", but by all, for all, to achieve the dignity of all.

     Extreme poverty is undignified, sometimes communities or individuals do find themselves helpless and in need of crisis or ongoing assistance. But that isn't a sufficient understanding of the experiences of most poor people. Whether in city or countryside, very poor people tend to work for a better life.

     Dignity must be deployed as a moral concept in order to measure the degree of decency of a civilization. Backed by a framework of rights, dignity creates a sense of self respect, which can be reflected in demeanor and body language.

References:

https://amp.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jan/28/dignity-sustainable-development-goals

https://www.un.org/development/desa/socialperspectivedevelopment/2018/10/02/building-an-inclusive-world/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/278689454_Human_Dignity_and_Human_Rights
https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=poverty&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiPstjz29DeAhXb62EKHRpfC8kQ_AUIDigB&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=2GegGVaCM_0cAM: