International Day for Tolerance: RED NOSES celebrates a day for acceptance

Every year on November 16, the world observes the International Day for Tolerance—a day established by the United Nations in 1996 to promote understanding, respect, and acceptance across diverse cultures and backgrounds. This day reminds us that tolerance is more than enduring differences; it’s about celebrating the rich diversity around us and fostering inclusive societies where everyone feels valued and heard.

This year's theme emphasizes the importance of dialogue and understanding among young people, recognizing that they are key to building a more inclusive future. As global communities become increasingly interconnected, our ability to live together peacefully relies on creating environments where everyone, especially the younger generation, learns to embrace difference.

At RED NOSES International, we proudly honor the International Day for Tolerance by showcasing our efforts to spread compassion and connection, particularly through ours Emergency Smile programme. 

Emergency Smile is dedicated to bringing joy and emotional support to people affected by crisis, including children and their families in natural disaster sites, refugee camps, and countries impacted by war. Our professionally trained clown artists, through empathy, humor, and compassion, embody tolerance in action—showing that even small gestures of kindness can create powerful connections and overcome barriers.

The importance of International Day for Tolerance

In an era marked by increasing intolerance and misunderstanding, observing this day is more crucial than ever. At RED NOSES, we believe that tolerance is more than passive acceptance—it requires action, education, and a willingness to build connections. Through initiatives like Emergency Smile, we hope to nurture understanding and empathy that can transcend borders and alleviate the isolation felt by so many.

Join us in celebrating tolerance

On this International Day for Tolerance, we invite you to join us in spreading awareness about the value of acceptance and understanding. Let’s celebrate by embracing open-mindedness and respect in our everyday interactions and by supporting efforts to bring compassion and joy to those who need it most.

Together, we can build a world that cherishes diversity, uplifts every individual, and makes tolerance a lasting foundation for peace and harmony.