International Day of Friendship in the United States

Background & History: The International Day of Friendship was designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UN) with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. The UN proclaimed July 30 as the official International Day of Friendship in 2011, with the idea stemming from a proposal made by UNESCO in 1997 which marked the Culture of Peace campaign.

Traditions: While the International Day of Friendship has a global reach, it is not as prominently celebrated in the United States as it is in some other countries. However, those who observe the day may engage in activities that celebrate international friendships and cultural diversity such as:

• Hosting international potluck dinners.
• Organizing cultural exchanges or exhibitions.
• Promoting community activities centered on multicultural understanding.
• Educational events that focus on stories of friendship across different cultures or historical times.

What People Do: In the US, people might mark the day by:

• Reaching out to friends to express gratitude and appreciation.
• Making new friends from different cultural backgrounds.
• Sharing messages on social media using hashtags like #DayOfFriendship or #InternationalFriendshipDay to raise awareness.
• Volunteering for organizations that foster intercultural dialogue and friendship.

The emphasis is on celebrating friendships that cross boundaries and encouraging actions that contribute to peace, inclusion, and solidarity.