The Origin 

International Friendship Day was first proposed in Paraguay in 1958 by Joyce Hall. The idea of a global celebration day was proposed on the 20th of July, in 1958, by Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho during a dinner with friends in Paraguay. It was during this meeting that the World Friendship Crusade was born. This is the foundation that promotes friendship among all human beings, regardless of race, color or religion. Since then, July 30th has been celebrated as Friendship Day in Paraguay every year, which was later adopted in other countries. In 1998, Winnie the Pooh was named the world’s Ambassador of Friendship at the United Nations. 

Importance of the Day 

The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2011. It is based on the idea that friendship between people, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. It places importance on involving young people as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures, promote international understanding and respect for diversity. The initiative follows the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviors that reject violence and seek to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes.

Friendship is one of the most universal human experiences, transcending barriers of language, geography, age and background. In times of increasing polarization and global crises, genuine friendships serve as support systems that promote emotional well being, resilience and collective healing. 

International Friendship Day also plays a vital role in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): 

  • Goal 1: No Poverty: Friendships foster support networks that can provide assistance in times of need.
  • Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being: Positive social interactions and friendships contribute to mental and emotional well-being.
  • Goal 4: Quality Education: Inclusive and equitable education systems often promote understanding and respect among diverse groups.
  • Goal 5: Gender Equality: Friendships help in breaking down gender stereotypes and promoting equality.
  • Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities: Building friendships across different social and economic backgrounds reduces inequalities and fosters inclusion.
  • Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Friendship encourages peaceful interactions and strengthens community bonds.

To mark the International Day of Friendship, the 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. It helps foster social connections, promotes peace and understanding, encourages cultural exchange, strengthens community bonds, mental health benefits and general awareness of other cultures. 

Theme for 2025

International Friendship Day 2025 is observed this year with various activities and events to highlight the significance of friendship and to promote a culture of peace: 

  • Friendship Exhibitions: Explore virtual tours showcasing the efforts of communities in fostering friendships and peace.
  • Webinars: Join discussions with experts in the field to understand the importance of friendship in building a better world.
  • Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions focused on improving community ties and fostering mutual respect.
  • Film Screenings: Watch documentaries that highlight the power of friendship and its impact on global peace.
  • Educational Resources: Access a wealth of articles, research papers, and multimedia content dedicated to the theme of friendship.

UNESCO BMW’s Involvement

UNESCO BMW actively observes International Friendship Day through its programming and outreach that emphasizes human connection, cultural understanding and emotional resilience. Through its flagship initiative ReWIND program, UNESCO BMW facilitates storytelling, mentorship and dialogue projects that deepen bonds across age groups, geographies and cultures. These initiatives highlight the transformative power of authentic relationships in personal development, social cohesion and peace building. 

UNESCO BMW also promotes building friendship through arts based education and community engagement, offering platforms for creative collaboration that draw on shared values and collective memory. By empowering youth and supporting local communities, UNESCO BMW ensures that friendship is not just celebrated once a year, but practised as a regular commitment to empathy and social justice. 

UNESCO BMW’s Vision

UNESCO BMW’s mission is to promote and put into action programs that will help raise a new generation of peacemakers, create conditions for dialogue among civilizations, cultures and people, based on respect for commonly shared values. 

On this International Friendship Day, UNESCO BMW reaffirms its 3 missions, which harmonizes deeply with ideals of friendship and human solidarity. 

  • Inner Ecosystem: We strive to restore the inner ecosystem by nurturing emotional clarity, empathy and inner peace. These are qualities that sustain meaningful relationships. 
  • Inner Creativity: We enhance inner creativity by fostering an environment where artistic expression, imagination and innovation can flourish. 
  • World/Inner Peace: We also commit to spreading inner peace globally by encouraging mindfulness, intercultural understanding and peaceful collaboration of our heritage. 

In celebrating friendship, we celebrate the roots of all transformative human progress. In its truest sense, friendship is the foundation upon which sustainable peace and inclusive societies are built. 

By: Apurva Divakaran

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