Every friendship helps a child thrive 🩵

—, this International Day of Friendship, give a gift of hope.

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July 29, 2026 11:24pm EDT

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30 JULY 2026 · INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FRIENDSHIP

A friend can make all the difference

Celebrate the friends in your life and give a gift that brings hope and belonging to a child who needs it most.

A moment of smiles between friends in Afghanistan. © UNICEF/UNI879354/Khayyam

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Around the world, in classrooms in Cambodia, schoolyards in Uganda, or learning centres in Ukraine, children speak the universal language of friendship. From a shared laugh, a helping hand or kind words online, friendship helps children feel seen, supported and safe.

30 July marks International Day of Friendship, a day that observes the connections built and nurtured between individuals, whether they're old or young. And it often starts with a single, small act of kindness.

This year, celebrate the friends in your life by helping a child who needs support.

FRIENDSHIP IN ACTION

Friendship helps children thrive

Around the world, UNICEF's teams see the power of friendship every day. Here are just a few of the children who remind us why it matters:

Kerenzia, 3, and friends play together outdoors at an early childhood education centre In West Papau.

INDONESIA

Kerenzia, 3, and friends play together at an early childhood education centre In West Papau. Through UNICEF-supported early learning, children are building the friendships and skills they need to thrive.

PAKISTAN

As snow falls, Faisal, 8, and his friends chase one another through a flurry of snowballs and laughter. In moments like this, friendship gives children the freedom to play, belong, and experience the joy of childhood.

Wasim, 7, and his younger sister share a moment of friendship together as they read inside their home.

INDIA

Wasim, 7, and his younger sister share a moment of friendship as they read together inside their home. Whether learning from books or spending time side by side, their bond shows how friendship can help children learn, grow and thrive together.

MALAYSIA

“Azinah understands me. We made our own signs,” says Una, 12, who was born deaf. Their unique way of communicating has formed a powerful friendship, proving that every child can belong and feel included when differences are embraced.

Celebrate friendship by helping a child through crisis.

Friendship is about showing up when someone needs you. For children affected by emergencies, your support can provide the essentials they need to survive and recover, from clean water and nutrition to healthcare, education and protection.

This Friendship Day, make a meaningful difference for a child in need.

BE THERE FOR A CHILD

HOW TO BE A GOOD FRIEND ONLINE

Five tips to help young people be good friends online

A photoshoot for Digital Wellbeing featuring the 2025 UNICEF Australia Young Ambassadors.

Whether young people are chatting with friends from school or connecting with others through games and shared interests, positive online friendships can help create safer and more supportive digital spaces.

Here are five simple tips to help children and young people be good friends online and build meaningful connections wherever they are.

LEARN MORE

Thank you for celebrating the power of friendship and helping children build the connections they need to learn, grow and thrive.