The world celebrates the International Day of Friendship every year on 30 July, to honor the value of friendship and camaraderie in developing trust and building bridges between international communities. On an intra-personal level, friendship provides feelings of affection, warmth, and a sense of belonging. These can help strengthen our social and emotional skills, and contribute to good mental well-being, which is an essential protective factor against substance use.
We asked our Youth Forum 2023 participants on their views of friendship, and we encourage you to read their thoughts below. Does any of this trigger anything in you? What does friendship mean to you?
Hover over each picture to read the full quotes about friendship.
In my opinion, friendship is more than just finding someone with similar interests and having fun together. It's about being there; motivating, encouraging, cheering, and supporting each other to do the right thing.
Remas Bassam M. Aloqayyel, Saudi Arabia
Friendship is when you’re there for someone no matter what. When you drop everything that you’re doing (even something you believe was a priority) to go hug this person who is so dear to you when they need it.
Inês Costa Louro, Portugal
To me, friendship is not just a fundamental social concept but also one of the key elements that makes our lives uniquely interesting. They present to us an opportunity for continuous growth through holistic interactions and are responsible for shaping our lived experiences by promoting a sense of congenial belonging, as well as providing unwavering support in times of challenge or comfort.
Dervin Lua Wei Jun, Singapore
Friendship to me is to have someone sticking beside you through thick and thin, and being there beside you while you both walk through life; not because they have to, but because they want to. Nothing is forced between each other. We both understand we have flaws, but we accept each other nonetheless. We contribute to each other’s personalities and perspectives, and I must say that the friends I have made during my time in Vienna contributed to me greatly and I loved that we shared our culture’s together, and I hope wherever life takes us we will always be in touch because we have created such a beautiful bond.
Hana Elkaiei, Egypt
Friendship is something you do not need to maintain, but always stays. People are mostly independent throughout lifetime, and as the values shape inside a person, we become more unique and lonely. During this journey, we meet with different people, most of them just walk pass, but some stay, for an instant or for a long while. No matter for what reason, the chemistry works out, and the connection is bonded.
Lucy Cai, China
Friendship is sacred to me. A friend is not just a person with whom you often go out for coffee or for a walk. A friend is one who is always ready to help you when you are in trouble. You can count on them because you know they will never slander you, but on the contrary, they would protect you. With friends, we don't feel alone because we know that when we fall, there will be someone to give us a hand and help us up, stronger than ever. Friendship means everything to me!
Todor Marlov, Bulgaria
Friendship is a bond that goes beyond mere acquaintance and includes a sense of understanding and connection between people. It enriches our lives, providing a sense of belonging, companionship, and emotional well-being. A friend is a person with whom you can laugh and cry at another moment. The person with whom you share your secrets, but also with whom you have fun until the early hours of the morning. Friendship is a relationship where there is no judgment, no pressure to change. It is a relationship where people accept each other as they are.
Nika Baić, Croatia
For me, friendship is one of the most sacred and sincere feelings towards another human being. There is no place for envy, self-interest, or distrust. No one has yet come up with a formula by which you can determine your best friend. There is only one thing in the world that can answer this question - your heart. It will tell you who you can trust and who you cannot. It will be the first to react to the warmth that others give you and reciprocate it. The voice of the heart will never fail. Friendship is the best thing that a person can give to another.
Julia Pozdnukhova, Russia
Friendships are bridges we build along the way. They connect us to people who may have otherwise remained strangers. Friendships are a choice, a choice we make, and that is what makes them so special. We make a choice to let someone into our lives, to celebrate and share our memories, and to be there for them in times of need. Even though we may burn bridges to friendships that didn't last, they leave behind unforgettable memories and reminiscences.
Sewar Ali K Alnahdy, Saudi Arabia
Friendship is understanding, a safe place and a warm embrace. Friendship is the greatest gift and wealth to me, something that cannot be bought but must be earned and nurtured to bloom like a beautiful flower. 🌸 I believe that none of us would be who we are without friends, companions, and partners - so cherish your friends in good times and bad, and that’s how you will always have the most magnificent garden.
Smiljana Aleksic, Serbia
Friendship in Khmer is មិត្តភាព (Mitta-Peap), refers to the solidarity between one person and another or the entire community with a great passion. It is a powerful force in substance use prevention work, aiming to create a better future. Friendship is key motivation to integrate people who have been involved in substance use back to their family and community, by building up connection, consultation, supporting and breaking the negative stereotypes.
Hak Bunleng, Cambodia
