Last Updated:November 21, 2024, 06:15 IST

World Hello Day 2024 is themed “Greeting for Peace”, which aims at people greeting each other to foster peace.

World Hello Day recognizes the role that communication plays for preserving peace. (Image: Shutterstock)

Observed on November 21, World Hello Day is an opportunity to promote awareness that conflicts should be resolved through communication rather than the use of force. On this day, participants verbally greet ten people or more as an expression of the importance of personal communication in preserving peace. The global event started in 1973 responding to the Yom Kippur War, and now 180 nations celebrate this day.

World Hello Day also highlights that instead of resorting to violence, rifts should be solved through dialogue. As many as 31 winners of the Nobel Peace Prize are among the individuals who have realised World Hello Day’s value as a tool for creating peace.

World Hello Day 2024 Theme

This year, the World Hello Day theme is “Greeting for Peace“. It emphasises the importance of communication in conserving peace and encouraging people to wish at least 10 people on November 21 to foster global harmony.

World Hello Day: History

World Hello Day was founded by Michael McCormack, a Harvard University graduate, and Brian McCormack, an Arizona State University Ph.D. graduate, in 1973 in response to the Yom Kippur War between Egypt and Israel.

To encourage participation in the first World Hello Day, the McCormack brothers wrote 1,360 letters in seven different languages to world leaders across the globe, urging them to resolve disputes through communication rather than force.

Since that time, 180 nations have celebrated World Hello Day around the world. This day provides an opportunity for individuals to express their concern for world peace.

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World Hello Day: Significance

This day serves as a powerful reminder for people all over the world about the potential for everyday interactions. World Hello Day is a chance to try to connect with one another and contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious world.

• Promoting Peace: Encouraging people to wish at least 10 individuals on this day promotes interpersonal communication and understanding, which are vital for maintaining peace.
• Encouraging Dialogue: The day reminds us that simple acts of communication can bridge gaps and resolve conflicts.
• Celebrating Human Connection: It also emphasises the importance of human connection and the positive impact that kind words and gestures can have on lives.
• Fostering Global Unity: Celebrating World Hello Day helps connect people across different nationalities, cultures, and backgrounds, fostering a sense of global unity.

World Hello Day: Celebrations

You can celebrate the day in many ways with positivity. All you must do is say hello to at least 10 people happily on this day. This initiative is supposed to send a message of direct communication and goodwill to others. The creators of this day hoped that this small gesture alone would show how communication can help resolve disputes and prevent conflicts.

On this day, you could also take the moment to bridge the gap with a person you know but got disconnected due to whatever reason by saying “Hello”. Moreover, you can organise talks and online seminars to raise awareness about the movement and encourage more and more people to understand and bring them into their lives. By participating, people can play a small but meaningful role in promoting peace and understanding.

World Hello Day: Quotes

1. “It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.”- Ernie Harwell
2. “The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye, the story of love is hello, goodbye”- Jimi Hendrix
3. “Because you know what happens when you say ‘hello’ or ‘good morning?’ You make a connection. And isn’t that what being human is all about?”- Philip Rosenthal
4. “When I go to different countries, I want to know how to at least say hello and thank you. Language is a great hobby.”- Cesaro
5. “One of the most telling things about a person is how they say hello, and make handshakes.”-Miguel

World Hello Day: Wishes

1. World Hello Day is not only for world peace but it is also for peace with the people around us which we can achieve just by saying “Hello”.
2. “Hello” is the sweetest way to start a conversation that can change all the equations…. Wishing you a very Happy World Hello Day!!!
3. A cheerful, positive, and happy greeting has the power to melt the toughest of hearts. Happy World Hello Day to you.
4. It takes a lot of courage and willingness to sit down and talk with your enemy, and World Hello Day inspires us to do so.
5. World Hello Day! Let us say hello to our shortcomings to make them our strengths and this world a new place to live… Best wishes to you