The ringing of the peace bell and the joyful laughter of the children of the choir from superar accompanied the celebrations of the International Day of Peace 2012 in Vienna. This year, the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna celebrated this important day in collaboration with superar European Music and Dance System and the City of Vienna.
In his opening speech UNIS Director Janos Tisovszky explained the theme of this year's International Day of Peace: "Sustainable Peace for a Sustainable Future" referring to sustainable development, sustainable peace, and a secure future for all. Quoting the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon he said the way to create peace between different cultures was education, "through education, we establish a true culture of peace."
Caroline Niknafs, General Manager of superar, explained how superar works: in the past four years, more than 600 children received training from professional musicians. Their musical performances are not only fun but help boost their self-confidence. "The goal is to change something ," she said. Tanja Wehsely, the Member of Vienna City Council and the Chair of Viennese Youth Centre thanked superar for providing the music and dance courses for children. She said, " superar lets the peace start at home, start in the heart, start at school."
superar was founded in 2009 by Wiener Konzerthaus, Caritas Vienna and the Viennese Boys Choir to offer all children and young people free access to music and dance as "basic nourishment" - regardless of their social, cultural or religious background. The choir performed songs in different languages: Amazing Grace (English), Frère Jacques (French, English, German, Turkish, Serbian), Freunde schöner Götterfunken (German) and La Cucarcha in Spanish. It was a wonderful performance that enchanted the audience.
Drawings produced by the children depicting what peace means to them were on exhibit during the event in the Vienna International Centre (VIC).
The event was concluded with the traditional ringing of the Peace Bell in the Memorial Plaza of the VIC.
More info on the International Day of Peace 2012
