International Day of Friendship

What Is the International Day of Friendship?

July 30th is the International Day of Friendship, established by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution A/RES/65/275 in 2011. The day recognises the role that friendship, solidarity, and human connection play in fostering peace, security, development, and human rights — the core goals of the United Nations. It is a call to build bonds across cultures, borders, and communities.

The Origins of the Day

The International Day of Friendship has its roots not in the UN, but in a grassroots movement.

• Ramón Artemio Bracho: In 1958, Uruguayan philosopher and physician Ramón Artemio Bracho proposed the idea of a "Day of Friendship," founded on the belief that friendship is the cornerstone of world peace.
• Lions Clubs International: The idea was taken up by international service clubs and eventually reached the World Health Organization and the United Nations.
• UN recognition in 2011: The UN formally designated July 30th as the International Day of Friendship, affirming that "the goals and objectives of the United Nations can only be achieved through the involvement of all stakeholders, including civil society, youth, and friendship."

Friendship as a Force for Peace

The International Day of Friendship is about more than personal bonds — it speaks to the power of solidarity between societies, cultures, and nations.

• Bridging differences: Friendships between people from different backgrounds dissolve prejudice and build understanding, one relationship at a time.
• Engaging young people: The UN uses the day to encourage the world's youth to embrace the values of friendship, solidarity, and peace as foundations for the future.
• Community action: Events, gatherings, and volunteer activities around the world mark the day as a time to reach out, connect, and celebrate human bonds.

Fascinating Facts About This Day

• Argentina's Día del Amigo: Argentina celebrates its own Friendship Day on July 20th — the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing — on the grounds that the achievement united all of humanity. It is one of the busiest dining-out days of the year in Argentina.
• Friendship in the digital age: Social media and smartphones have made it possible to maintain friendships across continents and time zones in ways unimaginable even a generation ago. The International Day of Friendship embraces these new forms of connection.
• The etymology of "tomo" (友): The Japanese word for friend, tomo (友), shares its root with tomo (伴), meaning "companion" or "one who walks alongside." The word itself reflects the human need for connection.
• Friendship and health: Research consistently finds that people with strong, close friendships experience lower levels of stress, better mental health, and tend to live longer.
• Friendship in Japanese culture: From Spirited Away to Doraemon, friendship is a central theme in Japan's most beloved stories — a testament to how deeply this value resonates in Japanese society.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Reach out to a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. A simple "How are you?" can reignite a connection that matters.
• If you have international friends or acquaintances, make today the occasion to reconnect — friendships that cross borders are a daily act of peace.
• Attend a local community event or cultural exchange and open yourself to the possibility of a new friendship.
• Take a moment to think about who your most important friendships are with, and find a way to express your gratitude — in words, in a message, or simply in presence.

Friendship: The Oldest and Most Powerful Force in the World

July 30th is a day to remember that across every boundary of nationality, language, and culture, the warmth of a genuine human connection is something we all share. In the busyness of everyday life, it is easy to let friendships drift. But today, take a small step: send a message, share a memory, say thank you. Your words might be exactly the light that someone needed today.