Swiss-American Friendship Concert

Madame l’Ambassadeur des États-Unis d’Amérique,
Monsieur l’Ambassadeur de la Suisse,
Mesdames et Messieurs les Membres du Medical Music Group,

Je suis heureux de vous accueillir à l’occasion de ce concert unique. Ce soir, nous aurons le plaisir d’écouter le Medical Music Group, ainsi que plusieurs ensembles musicaux basés à Genève dont la chorale des Nations Unies. Permettez-moi ici de remercier les Missions permanentes des États-Unis d’Amérique et de la Suisse pour l’organisation de cet événement extraordinaire. Ce concert, mais aussi le Medical Music Group, témoignent du talent et du potentiel qui peuvent se cacher là où nous ne les attendons pas toujours. Je suis ravi que, ce soir, les Nations Unies soient le décor de ce talent et de ce potentiel.

Last week, the United States recognized Veteran’s Day. This concert is a fitting tribute to the brave men and women who have been and continue to be on the frontlines. And to the medical professionals who provide critical healing to those bearing the injuries and scars of conflict. It is also fitting that we find ourselves tonight in the Assembly Hall of the Palais des Nations, as the theme of this concert is “Tous pour Un, Un pour Tous”. It is a theme of universality, human rights, and inspiration. This theme – these words – embodies the ideals of the United Nations. It forms part of what we strive to accomplish on a daily basis through our work around the world. Peace and security, the respect and promotion of human rights, development, social progress and equality are all arguably more important than ever. The critical needs of nations – of people - emerging from the scourges of conflict, disease, humanitarian crises, cannot be stressed enough.

Beyond these critical needs, nations are also facing - as the United Nations Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-moon has said - a crisis of trust in governments. They are losing faith in leaders and public institutions to do the right thing. This concert is entitled “healing for the nations”. But in addition to healing for nations, we also need healing within nations. We need renewed trust, confidence and respect, to effectively address the challenges before us. We need the international community – governments, civil society, international organizations - coming together to lay the foundations for a healthy, sustainable and inclusive prosperity for everyone.

I thank again the Permanent Missions of the United States and Switzerland on behalf of the United Nations for this remarkable concert.

Thank you very much and enjoy the evening.