“On this International Day of Friendship, let us cultivate warm ties that strengthen our common humanity and promote the well-being of the human family. “
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 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)
According to the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), the people who have previously lived in harmony find themselves in conflict with their neighbours, people who have no choice but to live together and find each other further apart. Whatever the cause, and however powerful the forces that drive animosity and armed violence, the human spirits are potentially much stronger. It is our solemn duty to see that it prevails. In these difficult and unpredictable times, it is vital that we should reach out to one another in order to prevent conflict and build the long-term foundations for peace.
To mark the International Day of Friendship, 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.
Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/islamabad/29-Jul-2014/international-day-of-friendship-tomorrow
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