The world faces a large number of challenges and threats: poverty, violence, human rights violations, disease and epidemics. This undermines international peace and security, social foundations, creates obstacles to development, and divides people and societies. To successfully confront these challenges and threats, it is necessary to eradicate the causes of their occurrence. This can be achieved through solidarity, which can be expressed in many forms. First of all, this is friendship, it makes us closer. Together we can achieve agreement, create normal conditions for the existence of all people striving to make the world a better place.
The establishment of the Day was initiated by UNESCO, and the ideological basis for the new date was the Declaration and Program of Action for a Culture of Peace and the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Whole Planet (it covered 2001–2010). The documents recognized that children suffer enormous harm and suffering as a result of various forms of violence at all levels of society around the world. The Assembly also recognized the role of education in promoting the culture of peace and non-violence that should be instilled in children. If children learn to live in peace and harmony, it will contribute to strengthening international peace and cooperation.
The UN invited government agencies, as well as international and regional organizations, to celebrate this day in accordance with the cultural traditions of a particular country and organize events and initiatives that will contribute to the efforts of the international community and will be aimed at promoting dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
The resolution especially emphasizes the importance of the new date in strengthening friendly relations between different peoples. «Friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire efforts for peace and provide an opportunity to build bridges between societies that honor cultural diversity», — the document says.
In addition, one of the goals of International Friendship Day — is to involve young people, including future leaders, in social activities aimed at respectful perception of different cultures.
Currently, many countries around the world annually hold events related to the promotion of friendship and tolerance towards others. Today, the Friendship Day program is added to their list.
It is worth noting that International Friendship Day, established by the UN, — is not the only holiday of this kind: June 9 is International Friends Day.
Infographics – postcard «July 30 — International Friendship Day» Story «Bingy girlfriend»