Mongolian Traditional Music

Ambassador
Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen :
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations this evening on the occasion of a traditional music concert from Mongolia performed by the Morin Khuur Ensemble. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Boldbaatar and the Permanent Mission of Mongolia for this valuable contribution to the UNOG Cultural Activities Programme, which demonstrates their country’s music tradition and rich cultural heritage.

Ladies and Gentlemen :

Music is a universal language common to all cultures, which does not have to be translated in order to touch the senses of us all, regardless of our background. The national music, instruments and choreographies from a country convey the deepest cultural, spiritual and aesthetic values, transmitting this knowledge to others through the unspoken language of music.

Indeed, this evening’s performance pays tribute to the cultural legacy of a country defined by its legendary hospitality as well as strong principles of cooperation, courtesy and consideration for others. These are also important traits in realizing the work of the United Nations and one of the reasons for which Mongolia has been a valued member of the United Nations family, playing an active role in issues ranging from economic and social development, illiteracy, disarmament, to the challenges facing landlocked States.

It serves as proof that all countries, large or small, can engage in a mutually beneficial partnership within the United Nations.

Indeed, Mongolia has always played an important role in building and nurturing a system of international cooperation on issues that are of importance to our work in the United Nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen:
The traditional music of Morin Khuur was proclaimed as a masterpiece of oral and intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003. This distinction honours the most remarkable examples of cultural expression in all regions of the world. As you may know, the Morin Khuur has only two strings but its musical spectre is wide enough to play European classical music, which we shall have the opportunity of hearing this evening.

This is a welcome example of how our very different traditions that are a part of our cultural legacy may be combined to produce something of great magnitude when used inventively as well as creatively, which may serve to inspire us in our work at the United Nations.

We therefore appreciate having the opportunity to experience the richness of Mongolian culture this evening and I look forward to discovering it with you.

Thank you very much.