International Day of Friendship 2024, History, Theme and Celebrations

• Establishment: The UN General Assembly declared  30 July as the International Day of Friendship to highlight the importance of fostering a culture of peace and dialogue among people of different backgrounds. The day encourages nations, communities, and individuals to bridge differences through friendship and mutual respect.
• Purpose: The day seeks to promote international understanding and goodwill by celebrating the bonds of friendship that transcend cultural, political, and national boundaries.
• The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes, and behaviors that reject violence and endeavor to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes to solve problems. It was then adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1997.

Significance of International Day of Friendship

• Building Bridges: International Day of Friendship emphasizes the role of friendships in building bridges between diverse communities, fostering peace, and resolving conflicts.
• Global Unity: It serves as a reminder of the shared humanity that connects people across the globe and encourages collaborative efforts to address common challenges.
• Encouraging Dialogue: The day promotes open dialogue and mutual understanding as a means to strengthen relationships and address misunderstandings and prejudices.

Celebrations of International Friendship Day

• Events and Activities: Various events, such as community gatherings, cultural exchanges, and dialogue sessions, are organized to celebrate the day. These activities aim to bring people together and promote the values of friendship and cooperation.
• Social Media Campaigns: Many organizations and individuals use social media to share messages and stories about friendship, promoting a sense of global camaraderie.
• Educational Programs: Schools and institutions may organize educational programs and workshops to teach the importance of friendship, empathy, and cultural understanding.

Key Messages

• Promotion of Peace: By fostering friendships and connections, the day underscores the role of personal relationships in creating a more peaceful and harmonious world.
• Encouragement of Tolerance: It encourages people to be more tolerant and open-minded, embracing diversity and learning from different perspectives.

International Day of Friendship serves as a valuable occasion to celebrate and reinforce the positive impact of friendships and relationships in building a more united and understanding world.

Theme of International Friendship Day 2024

The official theme for International Friendship Day 2024 is “Embracing Diversity, Fostering Unity” by the United Nations.