SECRETARY-GENERAL HONOURS LUCIANO PAVAROTTI AS ‘PROTECTOR OF SUCCEEDING GENERATIONS AND AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL’

SECRETARY-GENERAL HONOURS LUCIANO PAVAROTTI AS ‘PROTECTOR OF

SUCCEEDING GENERATIONS AND AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL’

Following is the text of remarks by Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the Kennedy Center Tribute to Luciano Pavarotti in Washington D.C. on 2 December:

Tonight, you are rightly honouring Luciano Pavarotti for his lifetime contribution to music and the arts. 

For my part, I would like to honour him for his contribution to humankind. 

Luciano, your voice has expressed many human emotions and touched countless human souls.  Your concern for people in need -- and particularly for children affected by armed conflict -- has helped countless human lives.  You have personified the mission stated in the United Nations Charter:  “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.

Tonight, the world as we knew it six months ago seems a lifetime away.  At that time, how many people in the world were paying close attention to the plight of the children of Afghanistan? 

Luciano, you did pay attention.  When Afghanistan was still a forgotten emergency, you devoted your big concert in Modena to relief for Afghan refugees, particularly children.  You marshalled your many talented friends to help you raise funds.  And in the few months since then your efforts have generated millions of dollars for humanitarian aid.

Maestro, this is just one way that you have shown that your heart is even bigger than your voice.  Whether helping children in post-war Liberia start a new life, or working to build young people’s lives in the Balkans, you have been a protector of succeeding generations, and an inspiration to us all.  That is why, more than three years ago, I was proud to appoint you one of my Messengers of Peace; and why I am even more proud to call you a friend. And that is why I am honoured to be here to join those who pay tribute to you here tonight.  Thank you very much.

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