International Day of Friendship 30 July
"I
had the opportunity, earlier this year in Paraguay, to commend that pioneer,
Dr. Ramón Bracho, for his conviction that just as friendship builds bridges
between people, it can also inspire peace in our world. "
UN Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed
in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between
peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and
build bridges between communities.
The resolution (A/RES/65/275) places particular emphasis on
involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include
different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for
diversity.
The Day is also 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 Non-Violence for the Children
of the World (2001-2010).
To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN 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.
