International Day of Friendship 2026 — 30 July

1 August 2026National

The United Nations observes the International Day of Friendship (World Friendship Day) annually on 30 July to promote peace, solidarity and mutual understanding. 2026 marks the 15th observance. The UN General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed the day via Resolution A/65/L.72 in 2011, with the first UN-recognised observance on 30 July 2011. The concept originated in 1930 when Joyce Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, proposed Friendship Day. In 1958, Dr. Ramon Artemio Bracho founded the World Friendship Crusade, and in 1988 the UN named Winnie the Pooh the World's Ambassador of Friendship.

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International Day of Friendship: 30 July | Proclaimed by UNGA in 2011 | Related: International Tiger Day (29 July), World Nature Conservation Day (28 July) | UN founded: 1945

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The International Day of Friendship is observed on 30 July (2026 = 15th observance), proclaimed by the UNGA in 2011 to foster peace and solidarity across cultures.

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