In the 65th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, Australia and a raft of nations passed a resolution designating 30 July as the International Day of Friendship. This resolution extended an invitation to all member states and organisations to recognise the power, importance and relevance of friendship, highlighting the indisputable role friendship plays in bringing together people around the world. The resolution has served as a reminder that we cannot have peace and prosperity among nations without having leaders and citizens who are not willing to be friends. We know friendship inspires peace, and, with global peace, we can bridge divides and build a better future for all.

Across the world, governments, organisations and community groups will be celebrating this day through coordinated events and activities. Parliament will not miss out as later today I will be co-hosting an international friendship day event with the Paraguayan embassy. We'll be joined by chairs and vice chairs of parliamentary country groups and heads of missions from across Canberra.

The broad enthusiasm from parliamentarians, embassies and high commissions is a great example of how our international community can come together to celebrate the human spirit through friendship. Through friendship, we can contribute to the shifts that need to happen for the greater good. Happy international friendship day to all.