International Day of Friendship

International Friendship Day History

The International Day of Friendship is a United Nations designated day to promote friendship and respect among people, cultures and countries to achieve peace and harmony. The European Union, a regional intergovernmental organization, acknowledges and celebrates the International Day of Friendship as an opportunity to bring people together and foster social connections across different countries and cultures. The EU recognizes the power of friendship as a key driver to address global challenges such as climate change, poverty, and conflict.

The history of the International Day of Friendship can be traced back to 1958 when the World Friendship Crusade, an international organization, proposed the concept of World Friendship Day. The United Nations officially recognized and adopted the International Day of Friendship in 2011, recognizing its important role in improving international relations, social cohesion, and peace-building efforts.

In the European Union, the International Day of Friendship is celebrated through various events and initiatives that focus on building bridges between different communities and fostering mutual understanding and respect. These events may include cultural exchange programs, group activities, and social media campaigns aimed at promoting friendship and solidarity. The International Day of Friendship is observed annually on July 30th.

Facts about International Day of Friendship

• In 1998, the UN Secretary's wife, Nane Annan, named Winnie the Pooh as the Ambassador of Friendship at the UN.
• It's been proved that we can catch happiness from our friends. A Harvard study suggested that if a person becomes happy, a friend living close by has a 25% higher chance of becoming happy too.
• Studies show that the quality of friendships during adolescence could predict mental health in adulthood.
• The EU's Schengen Agreement allows people to move freely between 26 countries across Europe without the need for passport checks at most borders.
• Although there are 24 official languages in the European Union, English is widely spoken and used as a lingua franca, making communication easier for people from different countries.

In the News and Trending in the EU for International Day of Friendship

Top things to do in the EU for this observance

• Let every one of your friends know how much you appreciate them - with a card, a letter, a phone call, an email, a text, etc.
• Perform random acts of kindness for strangers and make some new friends.
• Plan a get-together at home with friends, have a potluck, and share stories about your cultures and experiences.
• Visit a historical site with friends and learn about the shared history and cultural heritage.