In 1997, UNESCO proposed the establishment of the International Day of Friendship on July 30 to promote friendship and foster trust among people. It was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. In the face of war and the deprivation of basic human rights and dignity, the aim is to awaken the spirit of unity and mutual assistance among nations, to set aside differences, and to work towards peace.
The International Day of Friendship underscores that the root causes of violence must be addressed by promoting a shared spirit of human solidarity—friendship. The resolution passed on this day emphasises the participation of youth. Indeed, young people are the future of society and involving them actively is crucial. Through interaction, they continuously discern, absorb, and learn to respect different cultures and diversity. They reject prejudices and establish correct values and attitudes towards life.
Unfortunately, when we discuss the topic of “a culture of peace,” in another part of the world on a different continent, there is no sense of peace or tranquillity. The war between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing for more than a year and shows no signs of ending. The infrastructure in several places in Ukraine has been attacked and destroyed, but the most vulnerable are the people who lack military power. People have no choice but to leave with the loss of their loved ones and the ruins of their homes.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are currently over 35 million refugees worldwide, and about 40 per cent are under the age of 18. More than eight million refugees have fled from Ukraine to various parts of Europe, and it is estimated that over five million are internally displaced within Ukraine.
Greed, selfishness, desires, jealousy, or cultural differences among ethnic groups, all undermine peace. We must recognise that “all human beings are born free and equal.” Through education and collaborative efforts, we can promote mutual respect among nations and set aside hostile and antagonistic attitudes. We can utilise resources for the economic development of countries, prioritising the well-being of the people and avoiding the use of violence to solve problems.
At the end of his Angelus prayer on July 9, Pope Francis reflected on the tragic events happening in the world: attacks in Jerusalem in the Holy Land, and airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. The pope called for direct dialogue between Israel and Palestine to turn to the path of reconciliation and peace, avoiding escalation of violence and preventing more innocent civilians from being harmed. On the other hand, Pope Francis also greeted and blessed pilgrims from Ukraine and prayed for the people suffering in the country, hoping that peace and love would soon come to the region engulfed in conflict. SE
