Some background information on International Friendship Day

The International Day of Friendship is an initiative made by UNESCO and taken up by the UN General Assembly in 1997, which defined the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviors that do not allow violence and endeavor to prevent conflicts.


In 1998, the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World (2001–2010), the General Assembly recognized that harm and suffering are caused to children through different forms of violence and abuse. It emphasized that world peace and non-violence should be instilled in children through education. If children learn to live together in peace and harmony,international peace and cooperation will be stronger. 


The Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace adopted in 1999 set 8 areas of action for nations, organizations and individuals to undertake in order for a culture of peace to prevail:

• foster a culture of peace through education;
• promote sustainable economic and social development;
• promote respect for all human rights;
• ensure equality between women and men;
• foster democratic participation;
• advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity;
• support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge;
• promote international peace and security.

The International Day of Friendship is also based on the recognition of the relevance and importance of friendship as important relationship in everyone around the world.