UN chief lauds power of friendship to build better bridges between people

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Thursday spoke highly of the power of friendship to build better bridges between people as the United Nations is leading the world community in joint efforts to address global challenges.

The secretary-general praised a Paraguayan man whose "profound vision that the forces of animosity and hatred in our world are no match for the power of the human spirit" led to the creation of the International Day of Friendship, which falls on July 30 every year.

"I had the opportunity, earlier this year in Paraguay, to commend that pioneer, Dr. Ramn Bracho, for his conviction that just as friendship builds bridges between people, it can also inspire peace in our world," the secretary-general said in a message to mark the International Day of Friendship.

The International Day was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities with a particular emphasis on involving young people in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.

Bracho, who initiated the idea of the day, "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," Ban said, who called for a renewed commitment to finding common humanity and fostering shared progress in confronting destructive trends such as discrimination, malice and cruelty that drive conflicts and atrocities afflicting millions of people.

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