INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP 30TH JULY - BY OBY OKEKE

Friends may come and friends may go, but a lot is determined by the
value placed on friendship. Friendship is a relationship with a person
other than a family member, spouse or lover whose company one...
enjoys
and towards whom one feels affection. Friendship could also be a
relationship with a boyfriend or a girlfriend; it could also be with
an associate who provides assistance. Whoever one considers a friend,
should be treated as one.
The International Day Of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the
United Nations General Assembly with the idea that friendship between
peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts
and build bridges between communities.
In recent times, the International Day Of Friendship is celebrated on
the first Sunday of August rather that 30th July. However, on 27th
July 2011, the 65th session of the UN General Assembly declared 30th
July as International day Of Friendship.
The world friendship crusade however lobbied the United Nations for
many years to recognize 30th July as world friendship day, which Its
General Assembly finally did in 2011.
The resolution (A/RES/65/275) places particular emphasis on involving
young people, as future leaders, community activities that include
different cultures and promote international understanding and respect
for diversity.
The day is also intended to support the goals and objectives of the
international decade for a culture of peace and non-violence for the
children of the world.
To mark the International Day of Friendship, the United Nations
encourages governments, international organizations and civil society
groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to
the efforts of the international community, towards promoting a
dialogue among civilizations, solidarity , mutual understanding
andreconciliation.
Friendship day celebrations can come in many forms such as giving
friends high-end bracelets, posting thoughtful notes and messages
about our friends on social networks, being specific about our
appreciation of why one is a friend, write out a few special memories
on small piece of paper for our friends to see.
We can also give small gifts, spend time with your friend, keep the
spirit of the day by nurturing your friendship continually, resolving
conflicts quickly, devote time to make the friendship successful no
matter how busy we are.
Some friends acknowledge each other on this day with exchanges of
gifts and cards on this day. Friendship bands are also popular. With
the advent of social networking sites, friendship day is also being
celebrated online.
On this years celebration, the United Nations secretary-General, Ban
Ki-Moon has this to say " On this International Day of Friendship, let
us cultivate warm ties that strengthen our common humanity and promote
the well-being of the human family."
Finally, we should all know that Friendship Day is a reminder that
friends are an important part of a healthy, happy life: so let us
carry that thought with us today and always and let it show in our
actions.