UN chief designates world-renowned Chinese pianist as Messenger of Peace

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon designated Monday world-renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang as a UN Messenger of Peace with a special focus on global education. "Lang Lang is one of the most exciting and accomplished musicians of our time. He has performed for world leaders and worked with some of the greatest orchestras and maestros," Ban said. "But he has also used his art and ability to inspire audiences to improve the lives of children everywhere." Lang, who began playing the piano at age three, has performed around the world. He played at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony for United States President Barack Obama and the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth of Britain at Buckingham Palace in 2012. He has also been Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) for the past 10 years, helping raise awareness to ensure every child's right to quality health care and education. In addition, he has frequently used his music to raise funds for UNICEF and for humanitarian aid in emergencies, such as a special performance for a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall in New York to benefit the UNICEF emergency response to the earthquake in Haiti. "I am pleased that you will now be promoting global education, a key driver of human progress and well-being. I look forward to working with you to advance my Global Education First Initiative." The Global Education First Initiative focuses on three goals: getting every child in school; improving the quality of learning; and fostering global citizenship. Messengers of Peace are individuals who possess widely recognized talents in the fields of art, film, literature, music and sports, helping to raise worldwide awareness of the UN's ideals and activities. Through their public appearances, contacts with the international media and humanitarian work, they expand public understanding of how the UN helps to improve the lives of people everywhere. Lang joins 11 other UN Messengers of Peace who advocate on behalf of the United Nations, including Brazilian author, Paulo Coelho, musician Stevie Wonder and actors Michael Douglas, Edward Norton and Charlize Theron. Former Messengers of Peace included boxing legend Mohammad Ali and international tenor Luciano Pavarotti