Today, Saturday, July 12th, the first World Day of Hope is celebrated for the first time, established by the UN at a time when people and communities face persistent challenges, with the hope that this day inspired action for a better world.

The UN announcement

A global need in uncertain times

At a time when the global community is plagued by increasing turmoil, expanding social inequalities and persistent economic and environmental challenges, values are constantly sought capable of joining instead of dividing. Among them, hope stands out as ecumenical, deeply human and emotionally timely power. Recognizing the need for this fundamental driving force, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed July 12 as an international day of hope, a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting hope as a guide for individuals, communities and nations.

This decision is based on the timeless values of the United Nations Charter and the Ecumenical Declaration of Human Rights, which defend peace, dignity, tolerance and common progress. It expands previous UN initiatives, such as the International Day of Consciousness, underlining the crucial role of hope in promoting prosperity, mutual respect, social cohesion and sustainable development.

Establishing the International Day of Hope, beyond just a symbolic act, is a global call for action. It appeals to the Member States, international and regional organizations, civil society and citizens themselves to create conditions where hope can take root and bloom. Efforts may include information campaigns, awareness raising actions, social empowerment programs, acts of kindness and promoting forgiveness and reconciliation. Embarrassing these values, societies can cultivate integration, empathy and durability.

After all, this day acts as a reminder that even in the most ominous circumstances, hope maintains its transformative ability, bridging gaps, leading to progress and lifting the human spirit. The International Day of Hope invites us to dwell, to think and to re -establish a future that is not founded on fear or discord, but to our common humanity and the firm faith for a better tomorrow.

Hope and collective good

Hope is not as individual virtue and a lever of social resilience. It enhances confidence between people, encourages participation in the public, restricts polarization and cultivates a common sense of identity, characteristics of vital importance for integration, peace and sustainable progress, pillars of collective good and basic actions of the target 16: International Day of Hope reminds us that hope is not just a personal support – it is also a collective responsibility.

“There is no peace without hope, no development without trust, no future without faith in it” – UNESCO dialogue on peace and human rights

Turning hope into action

Honor Hope Day by transforming optimism into meaningful action. For example, gather friends, colleagues or students for a short “circular discussion of hope”, examining local challenges and collective solutions. Take one hour to an offer act, for example, guiding a new, cleaning a public space, visiting an elderly neighbor or voluntarily supporting a line of psychological support. Incorporate reflections on hope in lessons, meetings or religious gatherings to give birth to constant dialogue. Every little gesture, from a heartfelt discussion to an act of kindness or a teaching discourse, spreads the spirit of hope that the day seeks to inspire the societies of the world.