International Jazz Day Being Observed Worldwide Today

Kathmandu, April 30: International Jazz Day is being celebrated across the world today with concerts, performances, educational programmes and social outreach activities.

UNESCO proclaimed 30 April as International Jazz Day in November 2011 to recognise the power of jazz as a force for peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.

“This Day is an opportunity to foster greater appreciation — not only for music, but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies,” UNESCO stated.

According to the United Nations, International Jazz Day helps raise awareness within the international community about the virtues of jazz as a tool for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people. It is also recognised as an important educational medium.

UNESCO states that the history of jazz is deeply connected to the global quest for human dignity, democracy and civil rights. The music genre has long inspired and strengthened struggles against discrimination and racism.

(RSS)