Focolare Movement

International Day of Friendship

Jul 29, 2018

More than 50 countries have signed up to the International Day of Friendship, which the United Nations established in 2011 and is celebrated each year on July 30. (Some countries, such as India, Nepal and Bangladesh, celebrate it in the days just following.) The aim of the day is to encourage governments, associations and groups […]

More than 50 countries have signed up to the International Day of Friendship, which the United Nations established in 2011 and is celebrated each year on July 30. (Some countries, such as India, Nepal and Bangladesh, celebrate it in the days just following.) The aim of the day is to encourage governments, associations and groups to promote every kind of friendship, solidarity, trust, mutual understanding and forgiveness. This is in line with local cultures and customs, with the conviction that these feelings can effectively contribute to peace between peoples and nations. The UN especially encourages young people, as future leaders, to undertake community activities that include different cultures, to promote international understanding and respect for diversity. Judging by the thousands of young people who enthusiastically took to the message of friendship and unity “Beyond all borders,” at the recent Genfest in Manila and many other countries, the encouragement has not fallen on deaf ears.

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Newsletter

Thought of the day

Related post

The Pre-Assembly Process

The Pre-Assembly Process

The ‘Pre-Assembly Process’ is currently underway in preparation for the General Assembly of the Focolare Movement, which will begin on the 1st of March 2026 in Castel Gandolfo (Italy) with the participation of representatives chosen from different geographical areas, branches and movements; the members by right (those who are part of the current government, the General Council and Zone Delegates in the geographical areas), and those invited by the President.

Being close to one another beyond distances

Being close to one another beyond distances

A friendship that links the two hemispheres and shows how goodness can set in motion a virtuous circle capable of reaching unexpected recipients and making them happy.

“One humanity, one planet: synodal leadership”

“One humanity, one planet: synodal leadership”

From 26 January to 1 February 2026, Rome will welcome 100 young political leaders for the conclusion of the first year of the “One Humanity, One Planet: Synodal Leadership” programme. The challenge is to explore a different style of governance starting from the paradigm of fraternity.