António Guterres affirmed in a video message that the Organization has an essential role “to restore confidence and solidarity” and “to guarantee better access to education for all, promote cultural diversity and direct technological progress towards the common good “.
75 years of@UNESCO ! Thank you to the Heads of State and Government, to Ministers, to the 193 Member States for this celebration of an unforgettable anniversary. Today and for the future, let us continue to build together the defenses of peace in the minds of men and women. pic.twitter.com/OxdBUVfR3L
— Audrey Azoulay (@AAzoulay) November 12, 2021
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According to Mr. Guterres, UNESCO must be “at the center of a more networked, more inclusive and more effective multilateralism, which brings tangible benefits to people around the world”.
Addressing the twenty-eight heads of state present, UNESCO’s Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, Forest Whitaker, called on all member governments of the Organization to give new impetus to the mandate of UNESCO peace.
“This defense of peace must become a common experience for everyone. It must be uplifted in the minds of men and women through education, science, culture, communication, ”said the actor and activist.
Mr. Whitaker highlighted the work of the Organization, including that of ending inequalities in education.
“75 years ago, less than a third of the world’s children went to school, today 90% of children of school age are in school,” he argued.
Mr. Whitaker praised his foundation’s partnership with UNESCO, which notably mobilized many children trained by his NGO as “peacemakers”, mediators and social entrepreneurs to carry out projects.
Artists from all walks of life
A multitude of artists also participated in the concert to mark the historic anniversary of the United Nations Cultural Organization.
From Afghan singer and women’s rights activist, Aryana Sayeed, who recently fled her country; to Renaud Capuçon, one of the greatest violinists in the world, and Guillaume Bellom, classical pianist winner of several international awards, or the opera singer of Egyptian origin, Farrah El Dibany, and Issa Murad, Palestinian oud player .
The Arab, Latin, Balkan, Indian and jazz influences of the Joussour group also resonated in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris during this special concert, not to mention the Dominican singer and winner of 18 Latin Grammy Awards, Juan Luís Guerra, Beninese Angélique Kidjo, winner of four Grammy Awards, Chinese pianist Lang Lang, as well as the duo Ray Lema & Laurent de Wilde, which combines jazz, classical and African music, and the internationally renowned cellist Yo- Yo Ma.
From 1946 to 2021, and beyond
“UNESCO was born as a pillar of the United Nations system following one of the darkest chapters in human history. For more than 75 years, UNESCO has encouraged dialogue and mutual understanding, ”said Mr Guterres.
