On July 30, 2021 DAI observes the International Day of Friendship. The theme this year is Sharing the Human Spirit Through Friendship
The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
DAI is committed to building bridges, and to equal inclusion, collaboration, diversity and to ensuring the rights of all persons with dmentia and their families or care partners are realised.
The resolution places emphasis on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity.
To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation.
The International Day of Friendship is an initiative that follows on the proposal made by UNESCO defining the Culture of Peace as a set of values, attitudes and behaviours that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by addressing their root causes with a view to solving problems. It was then adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1997. Learn more from the UN here.
Suggestions from the United Nations: Actions to Promote a Culture of Peace
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foster a culture of peace through education
At Dementia Alliance International the leadership team and support group co-hosts fully understand and embrace the benefits of education both ongoing education for people living with dementia and education for those in the wider community through our Webinars and Special Events. DAI Webinars attract a wide audience, and a host of expert speakers from across the globe.
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promote respect for all human rights;
Dementia Alliance International (DAI) continues to advocate locally, nationally and globally for the rights of people with dementia, as persons living with acquired cognitive and other disabilities. As our global work increases, we now attend the Conference Of State Parties (COSP) on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). It is integral to our mission that people living with dementia have the same human rights as people living with other disabilities and we continue to advocate for this at all levels.
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ensure equality between women and men;
Here at DAI we recognise that dementia strikes both men and women equally. Our support groups, webinars and other supports are open to men and women, as well as those who identify as non-binary or gender-fluid. Dementia does not discriminate, and nor do we. The support and information we provide is so important to all people living with dementia.
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foster democratic participation;
DAI’s Board of Directors and other working groups foster democratic participation, and people living with dementia are encouraged to have their say through voting at Annual General Meetings, and by being involved in the various working parties and sub committees of the Board.
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advance understanding, tolerance and solidarity;
Peer to Peer support groups run by people living with dementia, for people living with dementia embody the belief that tolerance and solidarity benefit all, whereas discrimination and division benefit no one. One of the reason the DAI peer to peer support groups are so successful in achieving their mission is that the co-hosts do have a deep understanding of what group members may be experiencing, as well as tolerance and a sense of solidarity with members.
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support participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge;
The leadership team makes a concerted effort to include all members of DAI in their information and communication. Board Meetings are transparent and decisions communicated to the general membership monthly. Surveys and blogs, newsletters and Facebook posts, twitter and Linked in – the free flow of information is encouraged and supported throughout the organisation.
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promote international peace and security.
The world would be a better place with World Peace and all the peoples of the world living in security, but until then, DAI is doing its best as an organisation to promote inclusion and security for all – so that all people diagnosed with dementia, can live well with dementia
Please donate to DAI today
By donating, you will ensure we can contonue our work supportign peopel diagnosed with demetnia, our families and the broader dementa community of researchers and professionals.
Thank you.