International Jazz Day is annually observed across the globe on 30th April to raise awareness about the importance of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for promoting peace and dialogue among people from diverse cultures.
The theme for International Jazz Day 2022 is ‘A Call for Global Peace and Unity’
The day also aims to develop a greater appreciation for music and also recognise the contribution of jazz to building more inclusive societies.
- The day also marks the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month(April), which highlights the heritage of Jazz music.
- The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is UNESCO’s partner in the organization and promotion of International Jazz Day.
Background:
i.In November 2011 the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) General Conference, 36th Session adopted the resolution UNESCO 36 C/Resolution 39 and proclaimed 30th April of every year as “International Jazz Day”.
- The first-ever International Jazz Day was observed on 30th April 2012.
ii.In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day.
Note:
30th April 2021 marked the celebration of the 10th anniversary of International Jazz Day, the world’s largest annual celebration of jazz.
Significance:
International Jazz Day is chaired and led by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.
2022 Global Concert:
i.The 2022 Global Concert was hosted on 30th April 2022 at United Nations(UN) Headquarters in New York, United States of America(USA).
ii.The host and Artistic Director of the concert was Herbie Hancock and John Beasley was the Musical Director of the concert.
iii.The concert features several acclaimed artists affirming the importance of jazz as a means of achieving unity and peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
