Written by Dr. Julian Natukunda, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Oxford.
In a time when the world feels divided and uncertain, solidarity might just be our most radical and necessary act. Young people are clearly among the new powerhouses that must be brought into consideration to enact lasting change in global health.
In a world facing crisis after crisis—from the climate emergency and global pandemics to rising inequality, political division and weakened multilateralism—solidarity is more than a buzzword. It’s a necessary act of courage, connection, and care. And at the centre of this movement for change are young people.
Too often, young people are praised as “the future,” while being sidelined from real decision-making. They cannot be kept in waiting. True solidarity is about standing with others and taking action or empowering them to take action. Communities, institutions and leaders need to take courage and move beyond tokenistic inclusion and co-create space for meaningful youth participation. Courage is the willingness to take action even when it is uncomfortable, unpopular, or risky. This would entail giving young people real space to lead—not just symbolic roles. It means listening to their voices, valuing their lived experiences, and recognising the creative energy they bring to global health efforts.
That’s why the Global Health Solidarity Project is working to shift the conversation. We are pushing the conversation forward—asking what real, practical solidarity looks like and how young people can lead the way in reimagining global health systems to be fairer, more inclusive, and community-focused.
We kicked off this conversation at the 2025 International Student Festival in Trondheim, Norway, where speakers shared bold ideas about solidarity as a force that can shape everything—from human rights and global governance to everyday life. This blog captures some of the key takeaways and questions raised during that session.
Moving beyond human rights as mere entitlements; Duty as the foundation for entitlement
One powerful insight was how often we talk about human rights as things we deserve—without thinking about the responsibilities that come with them. Philosopher Boaventura de Sousa Santos puts it clearly: “Rights are not automatic. They come with duties.” This shifts the way we think about our role in the world. If we truly want to live in a just society, we must also take responsibility for each other’s well-being. Solidarity, in this light, becomes a daily act—rooted in care, community, and action.
Take the story of the “Bus Stop Boys” in Accra, Ghana. They did not wait for government support or outside funding. They saw that their neighbourhoods were struggling with poor sanitation—and instead of just demanding their ‘right to a clean environment’, they took action. They started cleaning the streets, unclogging drains, and improving public spaces themselves. Before long, others in the community joined in—offering food, water, and tools to support their efforts. What began as a small act of service sparked a powerful wave of community solidarity.
This story reminds us that change doesn’t always begin with big ideas or institutions. Sometimes it starts with a broom, a bucket, and a shared sense of purpose.
Claiming power through collective action
Another important theme was about Collective power. Alone, we may feel powerless in the face of state systems or global corporations. But when we come together, whether for a protest, a community project, or social campaign, we are stronger. There is power in numbers.
This kind of solidarity empowers people to go beyond individual frustration. Many young people today turn to social media to voice their concerns—which is valid and often powerful. Social media activism, while important, does not always translate into tangible change. For this solidarity to be truly transformative, it must go beyond online spaces and lead to concrete action. Solidarity isn’t just about feeling empathy—it’s about acting on it. There was a discussion about practical ways young people can begin making a difference, starting with their own communities. This includes simple acts like offering support to someone in need, helping the elderly, or connecting with refugee youths through sports.
One big question emerged: How do we extend solidarity not only to those close to us but also to those across borders, outside our communities?
A simple answer here was that solidarity is rooted in recognising similarities (what we share), not differences (what sets us apart). Even if we do not know someone personally, we can stand with them when we see their suffering or rights being denied—because we recognise their experience that we would not wish for ourselves. Solidarity grows from that shared human connection.
Solidarity as a new vehicle of Multilateralism and Global Cooperation
A key topic then arose on multilateralism— the way in which countries collaborate is facing a crisis. Global systems are failing due to power imbalances, sluggish bureaucracy, and an over-reliance on governments alone. The pandemic exposed this clearly, as wealthy nations hoarded vaccines while others were left behind. Today, public goods like health and education are being defunded, creating systems that exclude rather than include.
A new kind of global cooperation—one built on deep solidarity would offer hope. It sees young people, grassroots groups, and civil society as key leaders. Youth are already forming global networks, taking action rooted in shared purpose and lived experience. True multilateralism must include all voices, not just those in power.
Solidarity in today’s fragmented world is more than a buzzword—it’s a tool for rebuilding systems from the ground up. It’s a call to responsibility, not just rights. It’s about turning empathy into action. And most of all, it’s about recognising the power that young people already hold—and supporting them as they put that power to work.
Are you ready to lead change in your community? The Global Health Solidarity Ambassador Programme is calling on passionate young leaders to step up and take action. This new platform is designed to equip you with the skills, tools, and support needed to launch powerful, community-driven health initiatives.
If you are ready to make a real impact, sign up now and be part of the change.
Click here to sign up.