NEW YORK – On July 30 every year, the UN marks the International Friendship Day, encouraging governments, international organisations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation..
“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,” the UN says.
To confront those crises and challenges, their root causes must be addressed by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity that takes many forms — the simplest of which is friendship.
“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.”
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly.
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.
