I am not new to UNESCO or to the politics that swirl around this United Nations agency. I began my affiliation 10 years ago, working on International Philosophy Day before President George W. Bush returned the United States to the organization in 2003. Shortly after, when first lady Laura Bush was designated honorary UNESCO ambassador for literacy, she noted that, “with UNESCO’s leadership, freedom can be realized throughout the world with the promise of education for all.”
Music is an essential ingredient of my life, and I am in awe of its power. In my decades of experience, I have seen how innovative thinking can achieve miracles, revolutionize lives and positively influence communities. Music, art, science and faith in people can make powerful changes in our humanity.
UNESCO can help promote music as a tool for building peace as well as other facets of culture, enabling distant communities to work together for the benefit of all nations.
That is why U.S. engagement in UNESCO and the United Nations must continue. This is indeed a challenging moment: Having won a seat at UNESCO, the Palestinians are eligible to join the World Intellectual Property Organization, which is responsible for protecting copyright and trademarks and fighting piracy. Palestinian leaders have expressed interest in seeking membership in the World Health Organization; the International Atomic Energy Agency; and the International Civil Aviation Association, which coordinates international airline security.
Following its current mandate, the United States would be required to stop contributing dues to those important organizations as well, which would force our country to recoil from the world. As we face challenges that threaten the very existence of humanity — changing climatic conditions, pandemics and illiteracy — solving these issues demands a concentrated effort from leaders and citizens of all nations and will require a world where people live in harmony to overcome these obstacles to our survival. During these crucial times, the work of UNESCO is needed more than ever.
The writer is a jazz pianist and composer. He is chairman of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz and was named a goodwill ambassador to UNESCO in July.
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