A global day celebrating friendship as a bridge for understanding between peoples and cultures, and its role in building peace and human solidarity.
Date30 July
TopicPeace & Safety
Established2011
Ways to observe this day
Reach out to an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while
Organize a gathering with friends from diverse backgrounds
Volunteer for a community activity with friends
Share a message of appreciation for a friend who made a difference in your life
On 3 May 2011, the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus resolution 65/275, designating 30 July as the International Day of Friendship. The day is grounded in the idea that friendship among individuals, peoples, and cultures can inspire peace efforts and build bridges of understanding between different communities, particularly in a world facing rising conflict and division.
The UN resolution places special emphasis on engaging young people, as future leaders, in community activities that bring together different cultures and promote mutual respect and diversity. Schools, youth organizations, and communities around the world mark the day with events bringing together people from diverse cultural backgrounds, educational activities promoting tolerance and cooperation, and initiatives encouraging people to reconnect with old friends or forge new ones across cultural and geographic boundaries.