UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday urged more world efforts to address the root causes of poverty, violence and human rights abuses by promoting international friendship in "a shared spirit of human solidarity."

In his message to mark International Day of Friendship, the secretary-general said, "Poverty, violence, human rights abuses and other major problems on the global agenda have in common a failure to respect fundamental norms and values developed over millennia."

"In confronting these crises, we must address their roots by promoting and defending a shared spirit of human solidarity," Ban said. "On a global level, this can manifest in many ways, from international assistance to political advocacy. And on an individual level, it can take the simple and timeless form of friendship."

When greed supersedes concerns about the health of our planet or its inhabitants, when fanatic attachment to ideology is pursued at all costs, and when people suffer human rights violations because they are considered somehow less than equal, the heritage of humanity is betrayed and our future wellbeing is placed in peril, he said.

"Friendship is a joy in itself, conferring happiness and a sense of wellbeing," he said. "And the accumulation of bonds of camaraderie around the world can contribute to fundamental shifts that are urgently needed to achieve lasting stability."

"The forces of division that actively try to undermine peace, security and social harmony are no match for the simple but powerful act of extending a hand in our own personal circles and especially beyond," he said. "Ties of trust can weave a safety net that will protect us all. As understanding and awareness grow, we can build compassion and generate passion for a better world where all are united for the greater good."

The secretary-general called upon everyone to resolve to cherish and cultivate as many warm relationships as possible, enriching his or her life and enhancing the future.

On April 27, 2011, the UN General Assembly of the United Nations declared July 30 as official International Friendship Day. Enditem

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