On Earth Day, April 22, 2020, the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) will join forces with several global partners including the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), Earth Day Network and One Page Spotlight for a virtual “Concert for A Healthy Planet”. At 8 pm Indian Standard Time (IST) and 8 pm Eastern Time (ET), on April 22, 2020, 5 Grammy® Award-Winners led by MGIEP’s #KindnessMatters Campaign Ambassador Ricky Kej, and an ensemble of 40 stellar musicians will come together for a one-of-a-kind online #ConcertForAHealthyPlanet LIVE from the comfort of your homes.
In these challenging times as the COVID-19 Pandemic affects our lives and daily routines, the musicians will come together to promote a message of Solidarity and perform from their respective homes to encourage #StayHome and #StaySafe. The Concert will be deferred-live to the world over the internet and will see the launch of the official music video of the #KindnessMatters Anthem — “Shine Your Light”, with performances in 5 countries and 13 cities.
The #KindnessAnthem for UNESCO MGIEP’s #KindnessMatters campaign is an energetic, upbeat song, filled with positivity. “Shine Your Light” is the official anthem for #KindnessMatters for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Global Campaign and has a central theme of “Kindness to Everyone”. The anthem is about showcasing simple acts kindness in our everyday lives, and how these acts can help solve our problems.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has left an indelible mark on all of us as we grapple with the changes in our day-to-day lives while ensuring we stay safe and protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. In many ways, it has brought the global community closer and made us realise that collectively we can make a difference for humanity and our planet. It is important for us to recognise the power of practising Solidarity and Kindness towards ourselves, each other and our planet.
Speaking about the importance of education in these unprecedented times, Dr. Anantha Duraiappah, Director, UNESCO MGIEP expressed, “Science tells us that what we learn is influenced by emotions and our emotions are in turn influenced by what we learn: A learner who is striving to be mindful, emphatic and kind is a learner searching for peace and sustainability for this planet.”
Through the Concert, the musicians will aim to impart the following key messages:
1. We are all in this together: The virus doesn’t discriminate; it could happen to anyone of us! And so it is important to realise that we are one global community – in a collective battle against the virus. We must do our bit for ourselves, our loved ones, our communities and the planet.
2. Kindness is Contagious: A simple act of kindness can transform and has the power to create an endless ripple – to transform societies and the world. It is time for us to reflect, empathise and practice compassion. One simple act of kindness can inspire thousands.
3. Physical Distance with Social Connect: Given the nature of the virus, yes, it is critical for us to maintain physical distance. However, it is also important for us to realise the importance of social connect. Even though we may physically be apart, together we are connected in this fight against the virus.
Talking about the collaboration and its relevance, UNESCO MGIEP’s #KindnessAmbassador and Grammy Winner, Ricky Kej pointed out, “Given the current situation, an online concert is the best way for musicians to express ourselves. I am honored and humbled to collaborate with such accomplished musicians from around the world, this is truly a global musical experience. All the musicians have performed from their own homes to encourage #StayHomeStaySafe. I am also excited to release my new song “Shine Your Light” the official anthem for UNESCO MGIEP’s #KindnessMatters Campaign.”
The Concert will be streamed live across multiple social media channels of all our partners. You can watch the Concert LIVE on UNESCO MGIEP’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram handles. The proceeds collected during the concert will go to the #COVID19 Solidarity Fund for the World Health Organization (WHO).
For updates and details of artists, visit the UNESCO MGIEP website.
