UN Hosts Anniversary Concert with Lang Lang

2015-06-15　Source: China.org.cn

The United Nations System in China hosted a special concert on Sunday, June 14, with Lang Lang, at the prestigious Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing as part of commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of the UN.

The United Nations System in China hosted a special concert on June 14, with Lang Lang, at the prestigious Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing as part of commemorations to mark the 70th anniversary of the UN.

The Beijing concert, "Melodies of Peace and Development with Lang Lang," honored the important and noble aspirations on which the UN was founded and the three pillars of the UN's work: peace and security, development and human rights.

Lang Lang, who became a Messenger for Peace in 2013 with a focus on promoting global education, said before the concert that as part of his UN role, he seeks to "bridge the older and younger generations" since he considered himself "not yet too old and no longer too young." He added that music brings people together, in smoothing out differences and helping to reach agreements peacefully.

"I hope it will remind us all of the importance for all nations to resolve their differences peacefully," said the pianist.

In addition to the headline performance by the international renowned pianist, the concert also included UNICEF Hong Kong Ambassador Karen Mok, RUC's One Day Chorus as well as children from Lang Lang's music school.

The UN's China chief Alain Noudehou said that music as a universal language is a "truly fitting way to reflect on our commitment to peace and development." Noudehou said music and the UN share a common function of "bringing people together and creating solidarity."

Alain Noudehou, Country Resident Coordinator of UN System in China meets the press on  June  14, 2015.

The year also marks the 70th anniversary of the victory of anti-Fascist war, to remember and honor the sacrifice people made in strive for peace during the World War II, said Noudehou, noting that the UN was created to make sure there would not be "any wars like that."

While 2015 marks the UN's 70th anniversary, it is also a pivotal year for international cooperation. A series of global dialogues will be held to produce milestone agreements including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which are going to be accomplished this year.

This upcoming September, Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to pay his first visit to the UN General Assembly after assuming his present office. There, Xi will meet with other state leaders to assess how well the MDGs were achieved. "China has done tremendously in achieving the MDGs, and the progress made in China has helped the world globally achieve the MDGs," said Noudehou.

After 36 years of collaboration with China, the UN System in China includes 24 UN funds, programs and specialized agencies operating in China. While China benefits from the UN in poverty reduction, environmental protection and its engagement in international development cooperation, China has also become an increasingly active contributor to the UN in various areas.