Friendship, especially among young people, holds a unique power capable of transforming lives and enriching them. It is a bond that transcends language, religion, and historical contexts—a solid connection that provides emotional support, helps us grow, connects us with others, and gives us a sense of belonging and purpose. Today, as divisions continue to grow within nations, communities, and even families, the importance of friendship is more evident than ever. It becomes more than just a connection; it serves as a model for reconciliation and promoting global peace. As part of the ongoing call for building new relationships and friendships, the world celebrates International Friendship Day on July 30th.
The History of International Friendship Day
According to the official United Nations website (un.org), the power of friendship is global, spreading across cultures and connecting people worldwide. The idea behind International Friendship Day is to promote kindness and bring people together. The celebration began almost a century ago, established by Hallmark in 1919 with the intention of encouraging people to celebrate their friendships by sending greeting cards to one another. However, by 1940, the practice of celebrating friendship began to wane until 1958, when Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho founded the World Friendship Campaign in Puerto Peñasco, Paraguay.
More than fifty years later, in 1998, Winnie the Pooh was appointed UN Ambassador of Friendship, embodying qualities such as kindness and loyalty, making him the perfect symbol for promoting friendship globally. Finally, in April 2011, the United Nations officially recognized July 30 as International Friendship Day, believing that friendship between people, nations, cultures, and individuals inspires peace efforts and helps build bridges between communities.
This global day of friendship is rooted in a proposal by UNESCO, which defines a culture of peace as a set of values, attitudes, and behaviors that reject violence and seek to prevent conflict by addressing its root causes. The United Nations General Assembly adopted it in 1997.
The Power of Friendship in Building a Better World
According to the United Nations, friendship is nurtured across cultures and communities, becoming more than just a connection—it becomes a model for reconciliation. It teaches us that understanding is not a grand achievement, but rather a habit, a practice, and a way to move through the world. This year, while the world faces deep divisions—between nations, within societies, and even within families—the call for friendship is not merely emotional; it is essential. It’s about going beyond what divides us and daring to believe in what is better. It is a call to imagine a future where differences don’t create distance, where trust is stronger than fear. Through friendship, we do not merely adjust to the world as it is; we begin to shape it into what it can be.
In celebration of International Friendship Day, the United Nations encourages governments, international organizations, and civil society organizations to organize events, activities, and initiatives that contribute to global efforts aimed at enhancing dialogue between civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding, and reconciliation.
How to Celebrate International Friendship Day
There are no strict rules for celebrating International Friendship Day. The beauty of all friendships, whether old and tested or new and flourishing, is that each one is unique. Here are a few ways to celebrate the day:
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Be Kind to Others: Reach out to your friends and do something that brings a smile to their face. It could be anything, from enjoying a coffee together to sending a text message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Spend your day doing nice things for others and spreading joy.
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Make New Friendships: There are many ways you can build new connections. Thanks to the internet, connecting with like-minded people has never been easier. You can join online forums or websites where you can chat with new people or attend a local community event and make an effort to engage with others.
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Attend a Cultural Community Celebration for International Friendship Day: If there’s a community youth center you’ve been meaning to visit but never had the chance, now is the perfect opportunity to meet new people and learn about different lifestyles and cultures you may not have heard much about before.
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Invite Friends Over for a Meal: Whether you cook it yourself or gather at a familiar restaurant you’ve enjoyed before, sharing a meal is a wonderful way to celebrate friendship.
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Reconnect with Old and New Friends: Celebrate friendship by sharing something special with both old and new friends. Even if you see your friends every day, do something meaningful that celebrates the true essence of friendship.
As we mark International Friendship Day, let us remember that friendship is not just about shared moments, but about nurturing bonds that can help bridge divides, inspire peace, and build a more connected world.
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