United Nations Orchestra; Concert in partnership with the MENUHIN contest if favor of UNAIDS

Excellences,
Chers collègues,
Mesdames et Messieurs :

C’est un grand plaisir pour moi d’être parmi vous ce soir et de partager avec vous cette soirée musicale.

Tout d’abord, je souhaite adresser mes plus sincères remerciements aux musiciens de l’orchestre des Nations Unies ainsi qu’aux organisateurs déjà mentionnés, grâce à qui cette magnifique soirée a pu être mise en place.

On evenings such as today’s, where music meets politics and cultural expression and political advocacy intersect, many associations come to mind.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth. We are reminded of this giant of history, who taught us lessons that resonate today more than ever: The power of constructive action and of ideas; the importance of reason and arguments; of forgiveness in reconciliation; the need for compromise, but without undermining the core principles of dignity and equality.

We remember the depth of his empathy which did not waver even in moments of personal tragedy, such as when he turned his family’s heartbreak over his son’s death into a courageous call to confront HIV/AIDS. Which is why it feels fitting and commendable that tonight’s proceeds will support the important work of UNAIDS in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela showed us that change “always seems impossible until it is done.” We do well to take this optimism and courage to heart in our uphill struggles for multilateralism, for the 2030 Agenda, for a better world.

Optimism and courage – these are sentiments that can be approximated through words, but rarely captured by them. For that, it takes something other than words – it takes music.

Enfin, selon Victor Hugo, « la musique exprime ce qui ne peut être dit et sur quoi il est impossible de rester silencieux ».

C’est dans cet esprit alors que je cède avec plaisir la parole aux musiciens pour exprimer ce que les mots ne peuvent pas, afin de nous surprendre et émerveiller.

Je vous remercie et vous souhaite à toutes et à tous une très agréable soirée.