THE world celebrates International Day of Friendship On July 30, a day designated by the United Nations to promote peace and build bridges between communities. In a world rife with challenges such as poverty, violence and human rights abuses, friendship emerges as a powerful tool to counter these adversities and promote a spirit of human solidarity.
International Day of Friendship, proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly, aims to inspire peace efforts and build bridges between different communities. The resolution emphasises involving young people, the future leaders, in community activities that include diverse cultures, thereby promoting international understanding and respect for diversity.
In Bangladesh, the spirit of friendship and solidarity has been put to the test in recent years, particularly during the quota reform movement. The movement sought to reform the government job quota system that reserved 56 per cent of jobs for certain groups, leaving only 44 per cent for merit-based recruitment. Students and job seekers rallied for a more equitable system, advocating for merit-based recruitment. However, what started as a peaceful protest soon escalated into violence and vandalism. Clashes between protestors and law enforcement resulted in deaths, injuries, arrests and a growing sense of mistrust between the government and the citizenry. The violence during the quota reform movement emphasises the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and a shared spirit of friendship to address societal grievances.
To confront crises like this, it is essential to address their root causes by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity. Friendship, in its many forms, can be the catalyst for fundamental shifts needed to achieve lasting stability. Through friendship, we can weave a safety net that protects everyone and generates a passion for a better world where unity prevails over division.
International Day of Friendship calls on governments, international organisations and civil society groups to hold events and initiatives that promote dialogue among civilisations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation. These efforts are crucial in nurturing a culture of peace, especially in times of conflict and division.
The quota reform movement in Bangladesh offers several lessons on the importance of friendship and solidarity in addressing societal challenges. Firstly, it highlights the need for open dialogue and communication. The lack of meaningful engagement between the protestors and the government worsened tensions and led to violence. Establishing channels for constructive dialogue can help address grievances before they escalate. Secondly, the movement highlights the importance of respect for human rights. The excessive use of force by law enforcement against peaceful protestors violated their rights and fuelled anger and resentment. Upholding human rights and ensuring accountability for abuses are essential for maintaining trust and solidarity within a community. Thirdly, the quota reform movement demonstrates the power of youth in driving social change. Young people, with their energy, passion and innovative ideas, are crucial in shaping a better future. By involving young people in community activities that promote international understanding and respect for diversity, we can harness their potential to build a more inclusive and peaceful society.
International Day of Friendship is an initiative that aligns with UNESCO鈥檚 proposal for defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes. To promote a culture of peace, several actions can be taken:
Fostering a culture of peace through education: Education is a powerful tool in promoting peace and solidarity. By incorporating peace education into curricula, we can teach young people the values of tolerance, respect and non-violence. Schools can also serve as spaces for dialogue and understanding, where students from different backgrounds can learn about each other鈥檚 cultures and perspectives.
Promoting sustainable economic and social development: Economic and social inequalities often lie at the heart of conflicts. Promoting sustainable development that ensures equitable access to resources and opportunities can help address the root causes of violence and instability. Policies that support job creation, social protection and poverty reduction are essential in building a more just and peaceful society.
Encouraging respect for all human rights: Respect for human rights is fundamental to peace and solidarity. Governments and institutions must uphold the rights of all individuals, regardless of their background, and ensure accountability for human rights abuses. Promoting a culture of human rights involves educating people about their rights and empowering them to advocate for themselves and others.
Ensuring gender equality: Gender equality is crucial for peace and development. Ensuring that women have equal opportunities and are represented in decision-making processes can lead to more inclusive and effective solutions to societal challenges. Empowering women and girls through education, economic opportunities and protection from violence is essential for achieving gender equality.
Developing democratic participation: Democratic participation allows individuals to have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Encouraging civic engagement and participation in governance can strengthen trust and solidarity within a community. It also ensures that policies and programmes reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
Advancing understanding, tolerance and solidarity: Promoting understanding and tolerance involves creating spaces for dialogue and interaction between different groups. Cultural exchange programmes, community activities and public awareness campaigns can help build bridges between diverse communities and foster a sense of solidarity.
Supporting participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge: Access to information and knowledge is essential for informed participation and dialogue. Supporting free and independent media, promoting digital literacy and ensuring access to information can empower individuals to make informed decisions and engage in constructive dialogue.
Promoting international peace and security: International cooperation and solidarity are crucial in addressing global challenges such as conflicts, climate change and pandemics. Countries can develop collective solutions that promote peace and security for all by working together.
International Day of Friendship reminds us of the power of friendship and solidarity in addressing the challenges that divide us. As we celebrate the day, let us recommit to encouraging bonds of trust and amity that can help us overcome the crises and challenges we face. Through friendship, we can create a world where peace and solidarity prevail.
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HM Nazmul Alam is a lecturer in English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.
