The United Nations has appointed Beethoven Orchestra Bonn as a UN Climate Change Goodwill Ambassador. It’s the first time an organisation has received the distinction.
Beethoven Orchestra Bonn will now promote the UN’s climate policies through its work, raising awareness of environmental issues across the globe.
“The work of the Beethoven Orchestra Bonn is testimony to the power of music to break down barriers and to build bridges between communities,” said UN Climate Change executive secretary Patricia Espinosa.
“If we are to address the climate change challenge in time, we need to use every opportunity to build public awareness and support for what needs to be done and to mobilise every sector in doing its part to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.”
Added Beethoven Orchestra Bonn general music director Dirk Kaftan: “Music is a language that can transcend political and social boundaries and connect people in an extraordinary way: it transports ideas and thoughts towards open hearts. We need to tackle the big issues of this day and age together – and music helps us! This is the deep conviction that guides us on our musical path.”
