UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has chosen world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma as the newest U.N. Messenger of Peace.
Annan honored Ma at the ringing of the Japanese Peace Bell at U.N. World Headquarters in New York Thursday in celebration of the 25th annual International Day of Peace.
"Over the course of your extraordinary musical career, you have demonstrated time and again your dedication to overcoming cultural differences and bridging gaps between nations and generations," said Annan. "Through your music, the message of peace can spread far and wide and influence people around the world to focus on harmony and human dignity."
Ma's appointment was based on his long background in humanitarian work, including his establishment of the Silk Road Project promoting the study of cultural, artistic and intellectual traditions along the early Eastern Europe-Asia trade route.
He is also a strong advocate for drawing younger generations to musical performances and educating them on the creation of music.
"I am honored to join the artists, educators and humanitarians who strive in their work to celebrate and communicate the universal values at the heart of the United Nations," Ma said in a statement accepting his appointment.
At the ceremony, Ma performed "Partita," a solo cello piece by Turkish composer Ahmed Adnan Saygun.
Ma and Annan were joined by four of other Messengers of Peace: Tennis champion Vijay Armitraj, journalist Anna Cataldi, actor Michael Douglas and wildlife conservationist Jane Goodall.
The Messengers, nine in total, are chosen for their achievements in the arts, literature, music, sports and their merits in humanitarian and international causes. They are dedicated to helping bring world-wide attention to the United Nations and its endeavors.
