On International Day of Friendship, Secretary-General Urges Focus on Countering Discrimination, Renewing Commitment to Common Humanity, Shared Progress

Following is the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of Friendship, observed on 30 July:

The International Day of Friendship was initiated by an individual who had a simple but profound vision:  that the forces of animosity and hatred in our world are no match for the power of the human spirit.

I had the opportunity, earlier this year in Paraguay, to commend that pioneer, Dr. Ramón Bracho, for his conviction that just as friendship builds bridges between people, it can also inspire peace in our world.

This is of paramount importance as we confront the discrimination, malice and cruelty that drive conflicts and atrocities afflicting millions of people today.  We must counter these destructive trends with a renewed commitment to finding our common humanity and fostering shared progress.

On this International Day of Friendship, let us strengthen bonds among individuals and generate greater respect and understanding in our world.