International Day of Hope
Next: July 12, 2027
Pass a little light along.
The story
Where it comes from
On 4 March 2025 the UN General Assembly declared 12 July the International Day of Hope, in a resolution introduced by Kiribati, whose ambassador called hope 'a force that has carried humanity through the darkest of times'. The resolution treats hope and well-being as universal goals, and asks people to spread messages of hope through education and through acts of service, forgiveness and compassion. Mental-health advocates had pushed for the day, led by iFred, a non-profit founded by Kathryn Goetzke in 2004. The first International Day of Hope was held on 12 July 2025.
How it's celebrated
iFred, which runs the global campaign, asks people to plant a sunflower, teach someone a short lesson in hope, or take a hope assessment. Cities, schools and workplaces issue proclamations and hold walks and gatherings. Its simplest idea is to name three people who helped you find light in a hard time, which makes this a fine day to send one of them a card.
Did you know
- iFred adopted the sunflower as its symbol because sunflowers turn their faces towards the light.
- Kiribati's Line Islands keep UTC+14, the earliest time zone on Earth, so they are among the first places to see each new 12 July.
- The resolution passed with 161 countries voting in favour.
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