International happy friendship day/International day of friendship is celebrated on 30th July every year. International happy friendship day/International day of friendship is a day which directly link the emotions, sentiments and even passions of the people.
In 2011, the UN proclaimed International happy friendship day/International day of friendship with the idea that this can build an bridge of friendship between peoples, countries, and cultures can foster peace efforts between communities. On this International happy friendship day/International day of friendship involvement of young people in community activities can promote international understanding and respect for diversity.
International Friendship Day is a day designed to foster friendships and bridge the gaps between race, color, religion and other factors which keep away humans from enjoying friendship with one another. The impact of scientific inventions and discoveries has transformed the face of world and turned this whole terrestrial globe into a little neighborhood. Today, in such a global society, it is essential that the leaders of tomorrow should respect, include and understand world diversity.
Background / International Friendship Day History
In 1997 UNESCO proposed International happy friendship day/International day of friendship and UN taken it up in UN General Assembly in 1997.It is an initiative with a view to solving problems and maintain Culture of Peace.
In its resolution of 1998, proclaiming the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001–2010) , the General Assembly recognized that enormous harm and suffering are caused to children through different forms of violence. It emphasized that the promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence should be instilled in children through education. If children learn to live together in peace and harmony that will contribute to the strengthening of international peace and cooperation.
The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace adopted in 1999 and set 8 areas of action for nations, organizations and individuals to undertake in order for a culture of peace to prevail:-
- Foster a culture of peace through education.
- Promote sustainable economic and social development.
- Promote respect for all human rights.
- Ensure equality between men and women.
- Foster democratic participation.
- Advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity.
- Support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge.
- Promote international peace and security.
In 2011 the UN General Assembly proclaimed the International happy friendship day/International day of friendship with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between different communities.
World Friendship Crusade ( International civil organization) proposed 30 July 1958 the first International happy friendship day/International day of friendship encourage and foster a culture of peace through friendship. Later, in 2011, the General Assembly of United Nations declared 30th July as the International happy friendship day/International day of friendship with the aim of building communities and inspire world move towards peace. Many countries celebrate International happy friendship day /International day of friendship day on the first Sunday of August.
Currently now a days social media is very active consequently there has been an increase in celebrating International happy friendship day/International day of friendship online by sharing ecards, photos and videos as well as with community activities in local communities aimed at bringing those of different backgrounds together.
What Do People Do on International day of friendship?
On International happy friendship day/International day of friendship governments, international organizations and civil society groups can hold various events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
Various events and things one can do this are pointed below:-
- Let everyone of your friends know how much you appreciate them – with exchange of gifts and cards, a letter, a phone call, an email, a text, whatsapp, facebook, twitter, instagram, etc
- Practice random acts of kindness on strangers and make some new friends.
- Smile at everyone you meet today, they may be your new best friend.
- One can Dedicate a song to friends on the radio.
- Take pictures of yourself with your friends having fun and enjoy time together.
- People can exchange Friendship bands with each other which is very popular in countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh and some parts of South America.
International happy friendship day/International day of friendship is an opportunity to confront the misunderstandings and distrust that underlie so many of the tensions and conflicts in today’s world.
On International happy friendship day/International day of friendship we must smoothen out our differences, harmonise diverse view points and develop a common out-look on concerned matters. Otherwise, the dream of a peaceful world will become a mirage.
In this present time this day(International happy friendship day/International day of friendship) is essentially required to let the wheel of friendship grind faster.
