A/HRC/23/45 • Innovative mechanisms of financing for development, such as solidarity funds, should be strengthened. • The concept of international solidarity is too abstract at this point, and this makes it difficult for some States that are concerned with the possible legal and financial implications. • There is a need for more clarity regarding what a right to international solidarity consists of, and this right should not impose new obligations on States. • The Independent Expert should engage further with States and also hold consultations with regional groups. • Some form of a preliminary text of the draft declaration would be of great value so that States can reflect on and respond to a concrete reference rather than indulge in abstract speculations about a right to international solidarity. • The Independent Expert was requested to examine how international solidarity can be a mutually reinforcing policy between and among States. • International solidarity should be incorporated into the work of United Nations agencies and programmes. • Civil society should be engaged in the process of elaborating the draft declaration from the early stages. • There are many good practices in the field of international solidarity that could be shared, and an event should be organized on the sidelines of the Human Rights Council for this purpose. • A few delegations stated that solidarity is a part of their culture, religion and constitution. • International solidarity leads to an environment of peace. E. Consultations with civil society organizations 19. The Independent Expert believes that the exchange of views and greater engagement with civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders is a key to the process of drafting a declaration on the right to international solidarity; this has also been expressed by some delegations. Since her appointment, the Independent Expert has participated in several discussions and undertaken consultations with CSOs in Geneva and elsewhere. During the twenty-first session of the Human Rights Council, the Independent Expert attended and addressed three side events on themes relating to international solidarity: (a) ―International solidarity: the role of peace operators in zones of chronic conflicts‖, held on 14 September 2012 and organized by the Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII; (b) ―International solidarity and human rights: meeting between the Independent Expert and civil society‖, co-organized by New Humanity, Associazione Comunità Papa Giovanni XXIII, Caritas Internationalis, Dominicans for Justice and Peace (Order of Preachers) and the International Organization for the Right to Education and Freedom of Education, and co-sponsored by the Geneva Catholic Inspired NGOs Forum, Good Neighbours International and North-South XXI; (c) A meeting with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) entitled ―Interactive dialogue on international solidarity – from concept to action – with the UN Independent Expert on international solidarity, Ms. Virginia Dandan‖. 8