“With Verdi in the World”

Ambassador Serra
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen:

I would like to warmly welcome you to the Palais des Nations for an extraordinary concert of works by Giuseppe Verdi on the occasion of the 2014 Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Thank you to the Permanent Mission of Italy and to Ambassador Serra for bringing us this beautiful music. And of course, a very special thank you to the musicians of the Orchestra dell’Opera Italiana of Parma for being with us and sharing their talent.

Italy embodies one of the richest and most celebrated cultural heritages in the world. It speaks to all of us, regardless of background and origin, and is truly global in reach and impact. And so is Italy’s international commitment. This is reflected in a strong commitment both to the United Nations and to the European Union. Despite the range of complex challenges, the Italian Presidency has made strengthening the role of Europe in the world a priority and is working towards enhancing the EU’s efforts as a global player. This includes also continuing the close relations with the United Nations, which we value. The EU is active across the United Nations’ agenda, and is here in Geneva a forceful voice for promotion of human rights, a sustainable future and a safer world.

The United Nations Office at Geneva is honoured to be featured on the international tour “Con Verdi Nel Mondo - With Verdi in the World”. Sharing your vibrant culture through this exceptional international project is highly appreciated by all members of international Geneva.

Tonight, we are given an invaluable opportunity to delve into Italian culture. Verdi is representative not only of the Italian opera tradition, but of the spirit of Italy itself. The musicians and the singers of tonight’s performance are working to promote the candidacy of this tradition for inscription on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Let me close by wishing the Italian Presidency continued success in keeping Europe a leader in tackling global issues during its term at the helm of the Council of the European Union. And also, of course, an enriching and rewarding continuation to the Orchestra dell’Opera Italiana of Parma, as they carry on sharing their music with the rest of the world.

Thank you, once again, to the musicians and to the Permanent Mission of Italy for this remarkable concert and for the poignant reminder of the value of the operatic tradition.

I hope you enjoy the concert in that spirit.

Grazie mille! Thank you very much!