The President of the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, Amb. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, had an official visit to Tangier, Morocco, on April 29th, 2024, on the occasion of the International Jazz Day, celebrated for the first time in 13 years on the African continent. In this context, she attended the All Stars Global Concert and gave a speech in the opening of the special event.

Jazz – a catalyst for peace and intercultural dialogue

By proclaiming 30 April as the International Jazz Day, the General Conference of UNESCO, at its 36th session, aimed at promoting the universal language of jazz as a global force for peace, diversity, equality, intercultural dialogue and international cooperation. Throughout the years, this Day became the world’s largest and most significant celebration of jazz  by people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. The annual celebration of the International Jazz Day is led by UNESCO, in collaboration with the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, chaired  by the legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, who serves also as a UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue.

Celebrating the 13th annual International Jazz Day in Tangier

The 13th annual International Jazz Day in Tangier culminated in a spectacular All-Star Global Concert held at the newly inaugurated Palace of Arts and Culture in Tangier, Morocco. This event, hosted by the acclaimed actor Jeremy Irons, brought together a stellar lineup of jazz legends and emerging talents from around the world.

The concert was led by the iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and Musical Director John Beasley. It featured performances by a diverse array of artists, including master Gnawa musician Abdellah El Gourd from Morocco, jazz vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater, bassist Marcus Miller, and guitarist Romero Lubambo. The event opened with a special “Welcome to Country” performance by renowned Dar Gnawa musicians, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated the rich cultural tapestry of jazz.

Highlights of the concert included Dee Dee Bridgewater’s rendition of Chick Corea’s “Spain,” Jazzmeia Horn’s swinging “Free Your Mind,” and Richard Bona’s tender performance of "Esoka Bulu (Night Whisper)". The concert also paid homage to the cultural connections between Morocco and Spain, with TK Blue and Abdellah El Gourd performing Randy Weston’s "Blue Moses".

The International Jazz Day 2024 celebration extended beyond the concert, with thousands of performances, master classes, jam sessions, and educational programs taking place in over 190 countries. As Herbie Hancock aptly put it, ‘Jazz transcends musical notes; it is a way of life, a way of being, a way of thinking.’ The 2024 International Jazz Day in Tangier truly embodied this spirit, uniting artists and audiences in a shared celebration of music and cultural exchange.

Recognizing UNESCO’s achievements in the Maghreb region 

During her mission to Tangier, the President of the General Conference had the opportunity to meet with Mr Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO multi-country Office in Rabat and UNESCO representative in Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania and Tunisia, and other staff members of the Rabat office. She congratulated them on their commitment and achievements of their work.
 

Recognizing UNESCO’s achievements in the Maghreb region 

During her mission to Tangier, the President of the General Conference had the opportunity to meet with Mr Eric Falt, Director of the UNESCO multi-country Office in Rabat and UNESCO representative in Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania and Tunisia, and other staff members of the Rabat office. She congratulated them on their commitment and achievements of their work.