International Mother Language Day 2021, February 21

“Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow” – Oliver Wendell Holmes. Each year, on 21 February, International Mother Language Day (IMLD) comes as a reminder of the power of language in preserving the uniqueness of human societies and promoting their distinct values. This year, UNESCO has decided on ‘Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society’ as the theme for the IMLD. To observe IMLD 2021, the Permanent Missions of Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, Jordan, New Zealand, Lithuania, UN, and UNESCO would be organizing a virtual event on the 22 February 2021. The event is aimed at upholding the inalienable right of people globally to their mother languages and the importance of linguistic and cultural diversities. Representatives of the co-hosting member states and the UN will speak about their visions and commitments for promoting multilingualism within and beyond UN as a means for promoting inclusion in education and society. The discussion will be followed by a multilingual cultural programme.

 

Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations

UN CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY
VIRTUAL PERFORMANCE AT THE OBSERVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY


Monday, 22 February 2021
12:00pm to 1:30pm EST 

WATCH THE EVENT ON: UNITED NATIONS
UN WEB TV

 

On 21 February 2021, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council will perform during the Observance of International Mother Language Day (IMLD).  The event will be hosted by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations, in collaboration with Members States from across the regions and UNESCO.  

 

The event is aimed at upholding the inalienable right of people globally to their mother languages and the importance of linguistic and cultural diversities.  Multilingualism, one of the core values of the UN, contributes to promoting, protecting and preserving diversity of languages and cultures globally and in the process, achieving the goals of the United Nations.  While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed our lives, it has reminded us how interconnected we are today.  And how we all must all work together to tackle our current global crises.  Multilingualism and diverse culture cultures are important elements in building a peaceful and inclusive world. 

 

The music programme by the UN Chamber Music Society that you will hear today, will reflect on our diverse elements – through the universal language of music.  It will honour multilingualism, by featuring composers from South Africa, Bangladesh, France and Guadeloupe.  Founded in 2016, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.  All musicians will perform chamber ensemble music from the safety of their homes, to help stem the spread of the coronavirus.

 

 

MESSAGES

 

Welcome remarks by H.E. Ms. Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh

Statement by H.E. Mr. Volken Bozkir, President of the General Assembly

Message of Director General of UNESCO, to be delivered by UNESCO Representative to the UN in New York

Statement by Ms. Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications

 

Delivery of Message by Mr. Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City

 

MUSIC PROGRAMME

UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director

 

SOUTH AFRICA / IsiXhosa
SIBUSISO NJEZA (1982 - )  “Nyana Wam” (“My Son”) aria from Madiba the African Opera
Nosango Mtirara (Soprano), Hana Mundiya (Violin), Rohan Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Amir Farsi (Flute), Alec Manasse (Clarinet), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
 

FRENCH / GUADELOUPE
JOSEPH BOLOGNE CHEVALIER DE SAINT-GEORGES (1745-1799) Quartet in g minor, I. Allegro
Hana Mundiya (Violin), Florrie Marshall (Viola), Thapelo Masita (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)

BANGLADESH / Bangla
GARRY SCHYMAN (1954 - ) "Praan"
[Lyrics adapted from the poem "Stream of Life" from Gitanjali by RABINDRANATH TAGORE (1861 - 1941)]
 

SPECIAL THANKS
 

Dylan Louie, Video Editor
UN Chamber Music Society Messages