14 June 2015, Beijing – As part of the commemoration events to mark the 70th Anniversary of the United Nations (UN), the UN System in China today hosted a special concert with Lang Lang, the UN Messenger of Peace and world-renowned pianist, at Renmin University in Beijing. The concert was live-streamed and broadcast simultaneously in China.

The Beijing concert honoured the important and noble aspirations on which the UN was founded and the three pillars of the UN’s work: peace and security, development and human rights. In this spirit, the commemoration, under the theme of “Strong UN. Better World” brought together close to 1,000 invited guests from Government, the diplomatic community, academia, media and civil society as well as university students and UN staff members.

“This concert offers an opportunity to reflect on the UN’s history and achievements since 1945 and to galvanise support and commitment to meet current and future global challenges through a stronger UN. We are at a moment in history where business as usual is no longer an option. A new common roadmap for a more sustainable and peaceful future for all is more needed than ever. Coming together through the universal language of music with our distinguished UN Messenger of Peace, Mr. Lang Lang, is truly a fitting way to reflect on our commitment to peace and development.” said Alain Noudehou, UN Resident Coordinator in China, speaking on behalf of the UN system in China.

In addition to the headline performance by Lang Lang, the concert also included performances by singer, actress and UNICEF Hong Kong Ambassador Karen Mok, the One Day Chorus, the Chorus of Renmin University and children from Lang Lang’s music school.

“I am honoured to be a UN Messenger of Peace. As a member of the family of the UN, I am delighted to take part in this special commemoration. I hope that it will remind us all of the importance for all nations to resolve their differences peacefully. In an era of globalization, it is necessary to have a multilateral organization that can bring countries together. We need the UN to lead the world to peace” said Lang Lang, who became a Messenger for Peace with a focus on promoting global education in 2013.

While 2015 marks the UN’s 70th anniversary, it is also a pivotal year for international cooperation. A series of global dialogues will convene to produce milestone agreements that will shape our future for the next 15 years and beyond. One such major event, in July in Addis Ababa, is the Third International Conference on Financing for Development. In September, Heads of State will gather at the 70th United Nations General Assembly to agree on the new set of Sustainable Development Goals that will guide global development until 2030. Later in December, world leaders will come together to agree on new commitments to Climate Change at the Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Paris.

Concert partners included Renmin University of China and broadcaster Letv.

Mr. Chen Yulu, President of Renmin University said “Renmin University of China is proud to host this event. The United Nations and the university have enjoyed extensive cooperation and various dialogues. We founded the United Nations Research Center in 1994, and have fostered many talented students with an international perspective. We believe this is a unique opportunity to help foster awareness and dialogue about the importance of addressing global problems through a strong multilateral system, especially among our students”.

Since first beginning its assistance to China 36 years ago, the friendship and collaboration between the UN and China has grown in both depth and quality. The UN system in China has worked in close collaboration with the Government of China to help provide a better future for the people of China. Today, the UN system in China includes 24 UN Funds, Programmes and Specialized Agencies operating in the country. They work to reduce poverty, promote equitable social development, protect the environment, support China’s engagement in international development cooperation as well as foster South-South partnership. At a global level, China has become an increasingly active contributor to the UN in various areas including support to the core UN funding, peacekeeping operations, and strengthened engagement in multilateral development projects and dialogues.