UCLG·CGLU · www.uclg.org
Internationalism “Glory to the sisterhood and brotherhood of peoples throughout the world.” N.MANDELA
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Internationalism, or cosmopolitanism, can be defined as: A devotion to universal humanity, liberty, human dignity and fraternity; a belief that individuals and people all over the world pursue common goals and interests as human beings, regardless of national identities and borders; it is a commitment to solidarity and the realization of these goals and interests. Internationalist or cosmopolitan approach has developed over several thousand years from a variety of roots, cultures, beliefs, traditions, ideas and movements from around the world. All human ideals and orders, throughout history, from Greek stoicism to present day universalism, have been developing ideas and practices for a truly global and united humanity. Greek and Roman stoicism approached human being not only as members of their own communities (cities, states, ...) but also as citizens of the world. Similar views can easily be traced in the Hebraic tradition (the right to immunity and hospitality was developed... in the text of the Books of Numbers); in Christianity (especially in the writings of Saint Paul which explicitly designate world co-citizenship); in Islamic Sufi masters (such as Ibn Arabi and Mevlana J.Rumi who argues that universal love and fraternity pervades the cosmos...; in Hinduism (the Verdic vision of the world); in Taoism (Tao is all encompassing and without limit); in Budhism (the ideal of universal self-realization that reach out to all beings); in different Indigenous traditions; in modern times in internationalist social and political ideas and movements; and in various currents of philosophy, science, art, literature, music and sports. As E. Said says a genuine “universality means taking a risk in order to go beyond the easy certainaties provided us by our backround, language, nationality...” which so often shield us from the reality of others. Concepts such as openness, tolerance, broadmindedness, sophistication, hospitality, solidarity, being children of the same Mother Earth and peaceful coexistence have historically been associated with internationalism. Today’s internationalism builds on both the above-mentioned historical heritage, and on the basic principles of human rights equality, dignity, the rule of law, mutual respect, autonomy and solidarity. These principles, which are products of several thousand years of struggle for a better and a more just and peaceful world, are not mere abstract ideals. They are at the very centre of important legal developments -such as the 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights...- of recent times.
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1913 2013