PURPOSE: The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed by the resolution A/65/L.72 in 2011 by the United Nations General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The resolution places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.
FORUM: “Sharing the human spirit through friendship.” International Day of Friendship 2024. In a world full of challenges, friendship is often our most powerful tool. The International Day highlights the importance of friendship in promoting peace and unity across cultures and continents. Through friendship — by accumulating bonds of camaraderie and developing strong ties of trust— we can contribute to the fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability, weave a safety net that will protect us all, and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #FriendshipDay, #30july, #Friendship, #Diplomaticrelationship .
EVENTS: On July 30th, to mark the International Day of Friendship 2024, the United Nations encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
PODCASTS: Our world faces many challenges, crises and forces of division — such as poverty, violence, and human rights abuses — among many others — that undermine peace, security, development and social harmony among the world's peoples. Listen to the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: Friendship is our most powerful tool. Lets promote and defend a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
ACTIONS
PARTNERSHIPS
The International Day of Friendship was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997. The initiative was proposed by UNESCO to define the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems.
Wherever it's celebrated, the celebrations are very similar. Friends meet up to spend time together. They may eat out or have a meal at home. They give each other small gifts: books, flowers, simple jewellery such as a friendship band (a simple bracelet). Some people send each other cards and greetings online. Whatever form the celebration takes, the spirit is the same – to remember the importance of friends and the power of friendship.
foster a culture of peace through education;
promote sustainable economic and social development;
promote respect for all human rights;
ensure equality between women and men;
foster democratic participation;
advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity;
support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge;
promote international peace and security.
The International Day of Friendship in hosted by the United Nations Foundation; The U.N. General Assembly; The UNESCO; The United Nations Alliance of Civilization (UNAOC); The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); The United Nations for Youth; The United Nations Economic and Social Affairs (DESA); The UNICEF; The Youth Assembly; The United Nations Model Associations; The Office for the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) and several Civil Society organizations; Academic Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations.