As Scouts from all over the world build new friendships and celebrate a spirit of unity at the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan, we join the world in celebrating and embracing friendship and camaraderie as a tool to enhance respect and understanding in our world. In some countries it is celebrated on the 30th of July and in others on the 2nd of August.

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 (A/RES/65/275) 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.

“As we confront the discrimination, malice and cruelty that drive conflicts and atrocities afflicting millions of people today,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon “We must counter these destructive trends with a renewed commitment to finding our common humanity and fostering shared progress. On this International Day of Friendship, let us strengthen bonds among individuals and generate greater respect and understanding in our world,” he said.

Sources:

• http://www.un.org/en/events/friendshipday/
• http://www.un.org/en/events/friendshipday/2015/sgmessage.shtml