International Jazz Day 2016 observed globally

30 April: International Jazz Day

The International Jazz Day 2016 was observed across the world on 30 April 2016. This year, UNESCO celebrated the day at Washington, DC.

The Day is intended to raise awareness in the international community of the virtues of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation among people.

Many governments, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and private citizens currently engaged in the promotion of jazz music celebrate the day to foster greater appreciation not only for the music but also for the contribution it can make to building more inclusive societies.

Why International Jazz Day?
• Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance
• It is a vector of freedom of expression
• It is a symbol of unity and peace
• It reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities
• It fosters gender equality
• It reinforces the role youth play for social change
• It encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones
• It stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from marginalized societies.

Background
In November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe.

The first annual International Jazz Day was kicked off in Paris by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock.

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