The International Day of
Friendship is celebrated across the globe since 1958. It is also called the
World Friendship Day or International Friendship Day. The United Nation observes
International Day of Friendship to observe the importance of friendship in
promoting peace in many cultures.
History and Significance
First proposed by Paraguay in 1958
as International Friendship Day, it was initially promoted by the greetings' card
industry. While the first World Friendship Day was proposed for July 30 in
1958, by the World.
Friendship Crusade, on April 27,
2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared July 30 as official
International Friendship Day. The World Friendship Crusade is a foundation that
advances friendship and care among all people paying little respect to their
race, religion, and ethnicity. Notably, the term Friendship Day was coined by
Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark cards in 1930, and was intended to be on
August 2. In 2011, the UN proclaimed the International Day of Friendship with
the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, and cultures can inspire
peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
The UN wanted for the day to involve young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity. It is a UN observance and not a public holiday.