Celebrity Media Commentator: Last night, the United Nations SRC Singers Festival Concert officially opened amidst enthusiastic applause from the audience. The choir's singing immediately immersed the audience in an unprecedented symphony of culture and peace. This festival concert, presented by the United Nations Choir, interwove joy and solemnity, captivating every audience member with its exceptional performance and profound meaning.
Choose horizontal or vertical to see different effects
Like a peace anthem performed during a festival, the concert venue was decorated like a poetic masterpiece. Soft yet brilliant lighting exuded a festive atmosphere, and every detail radiated the spirit of celebration. On this stage symbolizing hope and peace, singers from over 20 countries donned distinctive traditional costumes, presenting a vivid portrayal of world cultures. With the music playing, the audience embarked on a global journey, hearing heartfelt greetings from diverse cultures.
This concert transcended language, offering a global symphony. The program spanned multiple countries and regions, and each song was performed with heartfelt emotion, narrating a shared theme—peace and harmony. The United Nations Choir not only displayed professional singing standards but also created a multidimensional experience for the audience with vivid body language and stage presence, blending vocal and physical art.
Particularly noteworthy was the captivating conducting style of Argentine musician Guillermo Vaisman. With each wave of his baton, every singer became part of a harmonious symphony, and the entire venue resonated with an invisible force connecting music and souls.
The United Nations SRC Singers concert not only filled the audience with exhilaration but also prompted deep reflection on the meaning of peace. Many audience members were visibly moved, giving thunderous applause. The power of the singers' voices transcended language barriers, immersing everyone in a sense of global unity. "I have never felt such profound cultural exchange and emotional resonance!" an audience member exclaimed after the concert.
More than an artistic feast, this concert was a successful cultural promotion event. Through music, the United Nations Choir further enhanced its influence as "ambassadors of peace." Extensive media coverage is expected to draw more attention to the significance and value of the United Nations Choir. After the event, many audience members expressed anticipation for future concerts, with some even volunteering to join the UN Choir support network to contribute to the cause of peace.
Despite being composed mainly of UN staff, diplomats, and international civil servants, the choir's performances rivaled those of professional singers. From voice control to emotional expression, every song was brimming with vitality. They perfectly blended professionalism and passion, delivering profound spiritual impacts to the audience. Their performance level can be summarized in one phrase: a flawless rendition of professionalism and passion.
As the concert's finale lingered on, the audience was reluctant to leave, with rounds of applause echoing as if to freeze this beautiful moment in time. Through this concert, the United Nations SRC Singers not only conveyed the concept of peace through their voices but also planted seeds of harmony and unity in every audience member's heart.
Whether it was the diversity of music, the artistry of performances, or the interactivity of the audience, this concert was a successful event transcending cultures and borders. It proved that music, as a universal language, holds unparalleled power to connect, move, and change the world.
Peace is in peril worldwide and avenues for diplomatic dialogue are shrinking, but young women peacebuilders are demonstrating that a better world is possible, a senior UN official told the Security Council on Tuesday.
Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, was speaking during a debate on investing in the transformative power of intergenerational leadership on the women, peace and security agenda, where she urged ambassadors to “open doors for the next generation”.
“Investments in women, peace and security agenda are not an option; they are a necessity for preventing conflict and achieving sustainable and inclusive peace,” she said.
‘Bucking the status quo’
Ms. DiCarlo listed Malala Yousafzai, the girls’ education champion from Pakistan and youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate ever, climate activist Greta Thunberg from Sweden, and Ilwad Elman from Somalia who works to rehabilitate child soldiers and counter violent extremism, as examples of young women who are envisioning and demanding a world of justice and peace.
“These remarkable leaders remind us that transformation requires bucking the status quo,” she said.
In this regard, she pointed to the UN Secretary-General’s policy brief on A New Agenda for Peace which calls for dismantling entrenched patriarchal systems that perpetuate inequality and exclusion.
Reimagine power structures
“It underscores the urgent need to reimagine global power structures and place women and girls – especially young women – at the centre of our efforts to address the root causes of conflict and insecurity,” she said.
“If we do not break free from patriarchal norms, true peace and inclusive security will remain out of reach,” she warned.
Furthermore, the recently adopted Pact for the Future underlines the importance of ensuring that women’s leadership and participation are integrated into all aspects of conflict prevention and sustaining peace, she added.
Ms. DiCarlo highlighted three key areas in advancing intergenerational leadership: facilitating dialogues, fostering inclusive peace processes, and investing in young women’s leadership.
Foster dialogue and inclusion
She said intergenerational dialogues are critical opportunities for building trust and articulating shared aspirations.
She cited an example from Chad, where the UN Peacebuilding Fund supported local dialogue platforms that brought together youth associations with traditional authorities. This ultimately strengthened social cohesion and reduced intercommunal tensions and conflicts in the Nya Pendé and Barh Sara regions.
Ms. DiCarlo also stressed the need to advance inclusive, multi-track peace processes that prioritize diverse groups of women, including young women, and promote their leadership and rights at every level. At the same time, she also recognized “the diverse and changing mediation landscape today”.
UN Photo/Gregorio Cunha The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) hosts a workshop on key peace and security issues for Yei women and youth.
Promote peace from the bottom-up
She recalled that during the Council’s annual open debate on women, peace and security, the Secretary-General launched an initiative that invites mediators from a cross section of society to join the UN in taking concrete actions to ensure women’s participation in peace processes.
Moreover, she noted that the UN actively backs multi-track efforts that promote peace from the bottom up, emphasizing young women’s leadership.
She witnessed this recently in Colombia, where the UN Mission verifying the 2016 peace deal supports women and men from all backgrounds and ages, addressing stigmatization of ex-combatants in reintegration areas.
“Third, our investments must be aligned with our priorities. Significant and sustained resources are essential to support young women peacebuilders and ensure their work flourishes,” she said.
Building from the ground up
For example, through a Peacebuilding Fund initiative in Somalia, young men and women worked together in managing and restoring water canals across clan lines, overcoming historical grievances and mitigating inter-clan conflicts driven by resource scarcity.
Ms. DiCarlo said that as the 25th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security approaches, along with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, “we must open doors for the next generation.”
“Together, we must cultivate leadership from the ground up, placing young women and women’s rights at the heart of our efforts,” she concluded.
Appeal from Sudan
The Council also heard from Tahani Abbas, a human rights defender, legal representative, and peace advocate from Sudan, where rival military forces have been locked in a brutal war since April 2023.
She said women have been on the frontlines of conflict response, creating “networks of resistance” such as Emergency Response Rooms that provide medical services, daycare, communal kitchens and more.
She was adamant that supporting women peacebuilders before, during, and after crises pays peace dividends.
“When the war broke out in Sudan, we found that the women who had participated in de-escalation and dialogue processes at the local levels prior to the war had used their skills and capacities to mediate, negotiate, and manage tensions and conflicts in their communities during the war,” she said.
Ms. Abbas called for the Council’s ongoing support to women “who are fighting for peace and security every day”, saying “even though it may be logistically and politically difficult, the decisions made within the United Nations will have a direct impact on the lives of the Sudanese population and women peacebuilders around the world.”
Celebrity Media Commentator: On World AIDS Day 2024, the UN Secretary-General reiterated in an important speech the global focus on achieving the goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. This is not just a health issue but a battle for the right to safeguard human dignity, and everyone can be a participant and witness in this fight.
The Alarm Bell of the AIDS Situation
Every 25 seconds, one person is infected with HIV. Behind this cold statistic lie countless broken families and lives that never blossomed. Even more heartbreaking is that a quarter of people living with HIV (over nine million) cannot access life-saving treatment. Many of them are excluded from medical assistance due to discriminatory policies and societal biases, especially women, girls, and minority groups. Their lives, like hidden starlight, urgently need more attention and help.
Peng Liyuan: Igniting the Light of Hope with Art and Love
On this “path of rights” toward the 2030 goal, there is a warm figure who has always been using action and love to ignite hope. Peng Liyuan, born in 1962 in Shandong, is a renowned singer, music professor, and opera performing artist, and one of China's most popular stars. However, her mission has not been confined to the stage but has expanded into public health and humanitarian fields.
In 2011, the World Health Organization appointed Peng Liyuan as a Goodwill Ambassador for Tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS Prevention. She used music as a bridge, spreading the concept of health and equality through her songs. In 2014, she was named UNESCO’s Special Envoy for the Advancement of Girls’ and Women’s Education, further promoting education and health rights for vulnerable groups. Her efforts demonstrate that even small individual actions can ripple globally, bringing dignity and hope to those in need.
The “Path of Rights” Toward Hope
This year’s World AIDS Day theme reminds us that only by eliminating discrimination and prejudice and ensuring equal access to healthcare for everyone can we win this battle for life. Leaders need to adopt rights-based approaches, listen to the voices of the most vulnerable, break down policy barriers, and provide them with fair opportunities and respect.
Peng Liyuan’s efforts inspire us that protecting life is not only a policy mission but also a call to humanity. In the name of art, she has sung an anthem of health and dignity, which has invisibly become a melody for all humanity to strive together.
Looking Toward 2030: Let Every Life Shine
Global solidarity and human rights are the cornerstone of progress in combating AIDS. Every act of goodwill, every equal dialogue, is a significant step toward victory. If the rights of every person worldwide are protected, we can together envision a future free of AIDS.
On this special day, let us draw strength from Peng Liyuan’s story, walk the “path of rights,” and light the torch of hope for every overlooked life. This is not a fight for one person but a global anthem for life. By 2030, may every life shine with its deserved brilliance.
Loading player....
The full speech by the UN Secretary-General is as follows:
Ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 is achievable.
But reaching this goal requires breaking down the barriers keeping people from vital services.
Every 25 seconds, someone in the world is infected with HIV.
One-quarter of people living with HIV — more than nine million people — lack access to lifesaving treatment.
Discriminatory laws, policies and practices punish and stigmatize vulnerable people — especially women, girls and minorities — preventing their access to proven preventions, testing, treatment and care.
This year’s World AIDS Day reminds us the fight against AIDS can be won if leaders take a rights-based approach to ensure that everyone — especially the most vulnerable — can get the services they need without fear.
The inspirational advances made in the global HIV response have been powered by global solidarity and human rights.
We will overcome AIDS if the rights of everyone, everywhere, are protected.
I call on all leaders to heed this year’s theme and take the “rights” path.
***** Mettre fin d’ici à 2030 à la menace que fait peser le sida sur la santé publique est possible.
Pour y parvenir, il faut toutefois faire tomber les barrières qui empêchent les gens de recevoir des services vitaux.
Toutes les 25 secondes, une personne est infectée par le VIH dans le monde.
Un quart des personnes vivant avec le VIH, soit plus de neuf millions de personnes, n’ont pas accès à des traitements qui pourraient leur sauver la vie.
Les lois, politiques et pratiques discriminatoires punissent et stigmatisent les plus vulnérables – en particulier les femmes, les jeunes filles et les minorités – en les empêchant d’obtenir des moyens de prévention, des tests, des traitements et des soins qui ont fait leurs preuves.
La Journée mondiale du sida de cette année est l’occasion de rappeler que le combat contre le sida peut être gagné si les dirigeants et dirigeantes adoptent une approche fondée sur les droits de sorte que toutes et tous – en particulier les plus vulnérables – puissent bénéficier sans crainte des services dont ils ont besoin.
La solidarité internationale et les droits humains sont à l’origine des progrès remarquables accomplis dans la lutte mondiale contre le VIH.
Le sida peut être vaincu si les droits de chacun et chacune, partout dans le monde, sont protégés.
J’invite par conséquent tous les dirigeants et dirigeantes à s’inspirer du thème de cette année et à suivre le chemin des droits.
Describing the situation in Gaza as “appalling and apocalyptic” the UN Deputy Secretary-General on Monday called on world leaders to act decisively to alleviate suffering and prevent the further devastation of the enclave.
Speaking at a ministerial conference on humanitarian aid for Gaza, convened in Cairo by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, UN deputy chief Amina Mohammed emphasised the urgent need for lifesaving assistance and a plan for the enclave’s long-term recovery.
“We are here to help secure an immediate surge in lifesaving aid for the Palestinian people, ensure preparedness for a potential ceasefire, and begin laying the groundwork for recovery and reconstruction – this cannot happen soon enough,” she said, speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Organized looting forces UNRWA to pause aid
Deliveries of desperately needed food and other supplies into Gaza have had to be halted through the enclave’s Kerem Shalom crossing because of looting by armed gangs, the UN agency assisting Palestine refugees, UNRWA, has announced.
The agency took the decision on Sunday after it said that lorries carrying food were “all taken” after crossing into Gaza through what is the main aid corridor.
Explaining the move, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that the route had not been safe “for months”. On 16 November, a large convoy of aid trucks which also crossed through Kerem Shalom was stolen by armed gangs.
Further inside Gaza, aid workers are deeply concerned that malnutrition levels are spiralling.
UNRWA Senior Emergencies Officer, Louise Wateridge, speaking from one of the UN agency’s schools in Deir Al-Balah where 6,000 people are sheltering on Monday, described families sleeping on cold, wet floors and witnessing one young child “crying and screaming in the corner, just screaming for a piece of bread. She was just crying for a piece of bread.”
Children worst hit
In Cairo, Ms. Mohammed outlined the devastating toll of the conflict: with over 44,000 Palestinian lives reportedly lost, according to the authorities in Gaza, widespread displacement and the collapse of essential services.
Children have been the worst impacted, with nearly 19,000 hospitalised in the past four months alone due to acute malnutrition. Gaza now has the highest number of child amputees per capita globally, with many surgeries conducted without anaesthesia.
“What we are seeing may well amount to the gravest international crimes,” she said.
UN News Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed speaking at the Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza, held in Cairo.
Aid ‘outrageously’ blocked
Ms. Mohammed expressed deep concern over the severe restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, describing the flow of supplies as “outrageously” insufficient and unpredictable
“Aid by exception is neither humane nor effective,” she said, citing challenges such as looting, unexploded ordnance, and destroyed roads.
Last month, a large convoy of aid was stolen on the road out of Kerem Shalom: “Humanitarian staff and operations must be guaranteed security. Access must be granted to all those in need, wherever they are. United Nations premises must remain inviolable at all times,” she stressed.
Robust support needed
Ms. Mohammed called for robust support for the entire humanitarian aid system in Gaza, particularly UNRWA, describing it as an irreplaceable lifeline for Palestinians.
“If UNRWA is forced to close, the responsibility of replacing its vital services – and meeting the core needs of Palestinians in Gaza – would rest with Israel as the occupying Power,” she said, adding that there is no alternative to the UNRWA.
“Not the United Nations. Not the international community. But Israel – and Israel alone.”
Reiterating the need for a political solution, Ms. Mohammed urged an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages.
She also emphasised the urgency of a two-State solution, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States.
“The catastrophe in Gaza is nothing short of a complete breakdown of our common humanity,” she concluded. “The nightmare must stop.”
UNMAS There has been massive destruction of homes and infrastructure across Gaza.
Recovery and mental health
Sigrid Kaag, Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, painted a grim picture of the destruction and trauma she witnessed during her visits.
“Nothing prepares you as a fellow human being to the toll, the trauma, the suffering, the loss and the sense of abandonment Palestinian civilians feel,” she told delegates in Cairo.
Ms. Kaag underscored the importance of mental health support, particularly for children.
“The scars of war are not only physical,” she noted, calling for investments in psychosocial programmes alongside immediate aid and recovery efforts.
Build a future
Ms. Kaag also urged stakeholders to prioritise early recovery initiatives, which include restoring basic services, rehabilitating infrastructure and fostering economic stability, in partnership with the Palestinian Authority.
“Early recovery, after all, is also an investment in future stability, in prospects of peace of a Palestine of Gaza of which Gaza is an extricable link and entity of a future Palestinian State,” she said.
“Statehood is not only about bricks and mortar,” she added, “Recovery is about restoring lives, dignity, and hope.”
To support the United Nations in maintaining world peace and promoting international public welfare, the Celebrity Media Foundation is now openly recruiting interns. As a non-profit organization, the Celebrity Media Foundation is committed to promoting the core spirit of the UN Charter through innovative media technology and public welfare activities, supporting the UN’s international affairs and various charitable projects.
The Celebrity Media Network platform offers news coverage in six languages: Click hereand here.
Following the alphabetical order of the UN’s six official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish), today is Wednesday, and we are broadcasting news in English.
Recruitment Background
The Celebrity Media Foundation, upholding its mission to improve global society, initiates and supports various international public welfare projects with the help of volunteers and philanthropists. Its Celebrity Media network platform is a leading organization allied with the UN News Center’s six official language media, editing and publishing global news related to the UN and promoting its contributions to international affairs.
Celebrity Media is a pioneer in adopting AI technology for original voice broadcasting and multilingual conversion services, offering innovative services such as news publishing, video streaming, and online interviews for UN agencies, NGOs, and other users.
Player loading...
Internship Opportunities
To further support UN-related projects, the Celebrity Media Foundation is now offering internship positions in multiple fields, including but not limited to the following areas:
News Editing and Publishing Participate in editing and multilingual publishing of UN-related news, gaining an in-depth understanding of international news operations.
AI Technology Development and Application Join the Celebrity Media AI Academy to participate in AI teaching and project development, contributing to future technological talent cultivation.
Public Welfare Project Planning and Execution Collaborate with UN and related institutions to plan and execute international public welfare projects, promoting cultural, technological, and artistic exchanges.
Media PR and Communications Assist in planning promotional strategies to raise public awareness and support for UN public welfare projects.
Interns can work in their own city, completing the required learning phase through remote and online interactions.
Currently, we are primarily recruiting hosts and photojournalist interns for two phases: three months and six months. Participants in these two phases will be awarded an international press card. Upon completion, interns will receive an internship certificate. Based on evaluations by board members during the two phases, and following US immigration laws and regulations for hiring foreign workers, suitable roles and positions will be arranged for qualifying interns.
Celebrity Media Foundation Executive Chairman Zhang Lijun attending a UN headquarters meeting
Zhang Lijun, often hailed as the reincarnation of Lin Huiyin, is a legendary figure renowned for her extraordinary combination of beauty, intellect, and numerous accolades. An American of Chinese descent originally from Changle, Fuzhou, she immigrated to the United States at a young age. Fluent in multiple languages, she is a painter, writer, poet, sculptor, and master of landscape design. Her artwork has won numerous international awards and is part of collections at institutions such as the United Nations, the White House, the American World Art Center, the Statue of Liberty Museum, and Harvard University.
Lijun also serves as the President and Chief Designer of AM Modern Landscape Design Company in the United States, the Dean of the New York Academy of Painting, a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), and the Chairperson and General Manager of Fuzhou Lijun Modern Landscape Engineering Design Co., Ltd. in China.
Her rural revitalization design concepts have been recognized and promoted by the Chinese government. In 2017, at the United Nations' 866 Building, she was interviewed by Peace TV, a UN-affiliated NGO, where she shared her insights on ecological construction and livable city design on an international platform.
Platform Features
Celebrity Media operates two multilingual platforms—the Celebrity Media International Network Platform and the Celebrity Media International Alliance Platform. Based on the six official languages, these platforms create global communication channels, offering users flexible access to news and video content worldwide.
The platforms serve users through the following innovations:
Weekly content updates by language rotation: Arabic (Monday), Chinese (Tuesday), English (Wednesday), French (Thursday), Russian (Friday), Spanish (Saturday).
Providing direct access or VPN support for video files to address regional blocking issues.
Enabling celebrities and entrepreneurs to share public welfare stories at the UN News Center, conveying voices of justice.
Join Us
The Celebrity Media Foundation welcomes passionate young people to join our team and contribute to the UN’s international public welfare cause. During the internship, you will gain:
Valuable experience collaborating with top global experts and institutions;
A unique perspective on UN international affairs;
Professional practice in AI technology and multilingual communication.
If you are passionate about international public welfare and wish to contribute to global peace and development within the UN framework, apply now to become a part of the Celebrity Media Foundation!
How to Apply Please send your resume and cover letter to our contact email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. We look forward to having you join us in writing a new chapter in public welfare!
UN Photo/Gregorio Cunha The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) hosts a workshop on key peace and security issues for Yei women and youth.
© UNRWA Part of a water and sewage network in Nur Shams camp in Gaza is damaged following an Israeli military operation.
UN News Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed speaking at the Ministerial Conference to Enhance the Humanitarian Response in Gaza, held in Cairo.
UNMAS There has been massive destruction of homes and infrastructure across Gaza.
Celebrity Media Foundation Executive Chairman Zhang Lijun attending a UN headquarters meeting
