30 July - International Day of Friendship

             30 July - International Day of Friendship

 

 

Do not be confused with Friend's Day.
On May 3, 2011, during the sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, in the treatment of the Culture of Peace, recognized "the relevance and importance of friendship as noble and valuable sentiment in the lives of human beings around the world " and decided to designate as International Friendship Day on July 30 of each year, in line with the original proposal promoted by the World Friendship Crusade held in Puerto Pinasco, Paraguay, on July 30, 1958, in which Dr. Artemio Bracho (later founder of the World Friendship Crusade), proposes the establishment of a day to celebrate the friendship between human beings.

The initiative was presented jointly by 43 countries (including Spain and almost every country in South America) and accepted unanimously by the General Assembly.The General Assembly designated this day with the idea that the friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace initiatives and presents an opportunity to build bridges between communities.

The resolution (A/RES/65/275) places special emphasis on the importance of involving young people and future leaders in community activities aimed at promoting the inclusion of different cultures and respect among them, while promoting the international understanding and respect for diversity.

Also, the day is intended to support the goals and objectives of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence for the Children of the World (2001-2010).

To mark International Friendship Day, UN calls on all Member States, international and regional organizations and civil society, to hold events, activities that contribute to the international community's efforts to promote dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

Secretary-General’s Message for 2013:

The International Day of Friendship is an important opportunity to confront the misunderstandings and distrust that underlie so many of the tensions and conflicts in today’s world.
It is a reminder that human solidarity is essential to promoting lasting peace and fostering sustainable development.
On this International Day of Friendship, let us cultivate warm ties that strengthen our common humanity and promote the well-being of the human family.

Ban Ki-moon


Source: United Nations