International Friendship Day

International Friendship Day is a day where everyone dedicates a day in honour of their friends. We celebrate by exchanging gifts and cards, showing how much we treasure the friendship between us. This year, the objective for international friendship day is to explore the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) values of Excellence, Friendship and Respect.

• Excellence means doing the best you can at all times.

• Friendship among people of different races is the key to peace and harmony.

• Respect is not confined to respect for those in authority. Respect for peers and self-respect are equally important.

In Singapore we work very hard. We excel because we respect others. We build bonds as a nation and are willing to learn from other countries, respecting their values and sharing what we have. Our school will be having a twinning school programme with other countries to understand the importance of establishing friendly and beneficial relationships in an increasingly connected world. It enables students to be aware and connected to the global landscape while feeling and acting for Singapore.

How can you be a good ambassador of Singapore?

• If I go overseas to study or work, I will come back to Singapore as it is my home.

• I must be loyal to my homeland by building bonds as a nation, working hard to contribute to the country.

• Understand and respecting the religions and cultures of other countries.

• Be proud of my country, Singapore

Why do countries form alliances and can you name some examples of international alliances?

1. Trade

2. Intend to preserve the balance of power by preventing any country to achieve a position of overwhelming strength.

3. have the same beliefs (e.g. Democracy and communism)

Some countries that form international alliances are:

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) European Union (EU)

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

United Nations (UN)

World Trade Organization (WTO)

What are some merits of fostering close ties with other countries?

 It prevents a war from happening and provides opportunities for countries to discuss differences peacefully.

What are some of the things that unite nations and bring them together?

The acceleration of economic growth, social progress, cultural development among its members, the protection of the peace and stability of the region.