Amb. Guo introduces June 10th as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, and quotes a Chinese saying which reads, “A single flower does not make spring, while a hundred flowers in full bloom bring spring to the garden.”
H.E. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON), reads the message of the UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, which calls on parties to celebrate the first international day and stresses that dialogue is the path to peace.
H.E. Ababu Namwamba, Kenyan Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNON and UNEP, commends China under the visionary leadership of H.E. President Xi Jinping for the foresight and leadership that has made this international day a reality on the UN calendar. This day is a rallying symbol for a truly multilateral world. This is yet another contribution of the long enduring Chinese civilization to making the world a better place for all.
Chapter I: Opera
“Kunqu” is considered the oldest form of traditional Chinese opera still performed,
and proclaimed by UNESCO as a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity”
“Monkey King”, the most famous traditional Chinese myth character, lands at UN
Chapter II: Instruments
Erhu is known as the “Chinese violin”
Pipa is known as the “King of Chinese instrument”
The two instruments imitate the emotional sound of horse racing
Chapter III: Dance
Traditional drum dance, Bomas of Kenya, brings the show to climax
Ambassadors and UN staffs are invited to dance together
Music is the universal language of mankind
Chinese and African singers perform the Swahili love song “Malaika”
Performers combine ballet with acrobatics
Chapter IV: Costume
Local students wear traditional Chinese costume “Hanfu”
Models walk the runway in garments to bring UN a fashion show
Chapter V: Food
Local students love Chinese food including
Samosa, shrimp dumplings, spring rolls, cute bunny and panda bun
Chapter VI: Future
Students from Cheleta Primary School are invited into UN for their first time
Today we gather together to build up friendship through dialogues
We hope to see you next year to celebrate the International Day
for Dialogue among Civilizations again