Concert with maestro Barenboim and west-eastern divan orchestra ‘wonderful way’

To celebrate universal human rights declaration, says Secretary-General

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the concert organized by Spain to mark the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in New York, 15 December:

Let me thank Her Excellency Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega and the Government and people of Spain for sponsoring this concert and continuing to give such steadfast support to the United Nations.  This event is a wonderful way to celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its contribution to our work for global harmony and peace.

Peace is the highest calling of the United Nations.  It defines our mission and drives our discourse.  So it is especially appropriate to have with us tonight the principals of the Middle East Quartet, the diplomatic grouping that has been working so hard to support Israelis and Palestinians to realize their elusive dream of peace.  I am pleased to recognize the presence here tonight of United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, United Kingdom Foreign Secretary [David] Miliband, European Union High Representative Javier Solana and European Union Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner.  Thank you very much for your participation.

We are also very fortunate to have with us here at United Nations Headquarters one of the world’s leading conductors, Daniel Barenboim of Israel.  I am pleased to say that Maestro Barenboim is not only a great musician, but also a great advocate for peace.  That is why, last year, I named him a United Nations Messenger of Peace.  He is a perfect fit for the job, and tonight’s performance is yet another example of his contributions to the cause.

I am grateful to him and to all the members of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra for tonight’s concert.  This is a unique ensemble that brings together young musicians from Israel and Arab countries.  In addition to creating beautiful music, the Orchestra has created opportunities for dialogue about human rights and other issues.  It has served as a valuable bridge between societies, nurturing people-to-people diplomacy.  Its participation is a fitting part of efforts to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration, following events last week here and in Geneva.

We have come a long way since the adoption of the Declaration.  But we must also acknowledge that we have not yet lived up to its vision.  Abject poverty, shameful discrimination and horrific violence continue to plague millions of people around the world.

So as we celebrate tonight we must also commit to working harder to make the Declaration’s ideals a reality in people’s lives.  We must support the work of human rights defenders, non-governmental organizations, experts, policymakers, journalists and all people of conscience.

And we must continue until the timeless and universal principles in this Declaration become not just an inspiration or an aspiration, but the foundation of life for all of the world’s people.

For tonight, let us thank everyone involved in making this concert possible.

Enjoy your evening, and thank you very much.

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For information media • not an official record