The Mediterranean Concert

Your Royal Highness Princess Hasna,
Secretary-General Sijilmassi,
High Representative Al-Nasser,
Ambassador Auajjar,
Mr. Zapatero,
Mr. Moratinos,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

Good evening and welcome to the first edition of “The Mediterranean Concert”, a wonderful event that promises to weave together the varied rhythms and voices from across this sea. As Executive Director of UNAIDS, it is my distinct privilege to represent and speak on behalf of International Geneva tonight. Director-General Michael Møller is away for the evening, but he sends his best wishes for this concert.

My most sincere thanks go to tonight’s many organizers: the ONUART Foundation, the Kingdom of Morocco and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations. I would also like to thank the Permanent Missions of Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Malta, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia, as well as the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine and the numerous private and institutional sponsors, for making this event possible. Of course, a special thank you to tonight’s 16 outstanding performers, who – although hailing from 12 different countries – are united by the conviction that they can best nurture their artistic potential by drinking from the wells of other cultures and traditions.

This concert’s message of mutual understanding comes at a critical time for the peoples of the Mediterranean. In recent years, murderous conflicts and political instability have killed hundreds of thousands and spurred millions to flee their homes in search of sanctuary. This has transformed the Mediterranean Sea into a treacherous passage for far too many, making islands like Kos, Lampedusa and Lesbos by-words for the suffering of some of the most vulnerable people on our planet. In response, too many leaders have closed borders, built walls and stirred up fear of the other, responses that throughout history have never proven sustainable.

The Mediterranean Sea should not be seen as the frontier of the impossible vision of a “Fortress Europe”, but as a conduit for exchange, understanding and empathy between two mutually-dependent shores. This relationship should be anchored in human rights, which – along with peace and development –are central to our global efforts to achieve the landmark Sustainable Development Goals and make life on this planet safe, sustainable and humane for future generations. International Geneva, as the UN operational hub for peace, rights and well-being, is uniquely positioned to assist with the integrated action required to address the challenges of this century. This beautiful room, for one, is home to the Human Rights Council, the global community’s hub for reflection and action on human rights. The city is also home to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and to a constellation of NGOs and think tanks dedicated to the protection of our common humanity.

In an era marked by calls for isolation and retrenchment, cultural diplomacy is more essential than ever. This is particularly true in the area of human rights, where facilitating the exchange of ideas and creating bridges between peoples and cultures can foster empathy and understanding. Tonight’s event is a solid step in the right direction. Thank you all very much.