International Day of Friendship 2021

The International Day of Friendship was announced in 2011 by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
The day is celebrated across the globe aiming to close the gaps between factors such as race, language and culture. The UN has encouraged governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives to promote dialogue between communities that encourages mutual understanding, solidarity and reconciliation.

Why is the International Day of Friendship important?

Friendship requires empathy, compassion and concern for others, so by valuing friendship we can foster these characteristics and begin to transfer those attributes to adopt a more selfless and grateful outlook on life.
The day focuses on celebrating building and strengthening relationships, despite differences in cultures, with the future aspiration of building a more kind and peaceful world. Many events focus on reconciliation, bridging understanding and finding comfort in those friendships that feel like home.

Friendships have a huge impact on your mental health. Spending time with friends can reduce stress and depression and bring happiness into our lives. Good friends can provide comfort and joy and prevent loneliness and isolation.
How can you get involved in celebrating International Day of Friendship? The meaning of friendship is different for everyone and the bond of friendship also varies. This is why traditions and celebrations are different for everyone. You could…

• Ring up a friend and have a chat! Grab a coffee, go for a meal, do some shopping or simply go for a walk.
• Reach out to someone who you’ve not spoken to in a while. You could call them, catch up on their lives and have a laugh.
• Share memories on your social media. Use #InternationalFriendshipDay to encourage others to connect.
• Make a list of what you love about your friends and share it with them. A good friend accepts you the way you are-no matter what- so it’s important to tell your friends how much you appreciate them.
• Some friends acknowledge each other with exchanges of gifts and cards, friendship bands are very popular.
• Make new friends. Why not set yourself a challenge to smile and greet people throughout the day: In a coffee shop, at the gym, as you catch the bus or being served in a shop.
• Friendship is a two-way relationship. Spend some time on International Friendship Day reflecting on how you are as a friend. People who nurture positive relationships are often happier, healthier and live longer. A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you just the way you are.

Did you know?

2 is the average number of best friends an adult has.
57% of teens have made a close friend online.
1994 was the year the hit television show ‘Friends’ first aired.
Babies are about 9 months when they start to recognise friendships.
In 1998, the United Nations named Winnie the Pooh as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship.
This years theme is ‘Sharing the human spirt through friendship’.
“If you have two friends, you’re lucky, If you have one good friend, you’re more than lucky.”― S.E. Hinton.