A triumphant, engaging and musical message of hope for a troubled world -- led by UN Peace Messenger Jane Goodall, Yo Yo Mas, NGO Pathways to Peace and 500 high school student Peace activists around the world
NEW YORK, NY, September 19, 2014 - On Sunday September 21, an estimated one billion people around the world will be made aware of -- and tens of millions will gather at events to celebrate -- the International Day of Peace (a day established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981).
The inaugural ceremony took place on September 19 as Secretary General Ban Ki-moon rang the Peace Bell on the back lawn of the United Nations as the Peace doves were released into the skies of New York.
Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon reminded us of the importance of the International Day of Peace and the United Nations commitment towards enabling countries in conflict to achieving Peace. Upon the conclusion of the ceremony, all were led into the UN auditorium, whereby UN Peace messenger Jane Goodall reminded us of our interconnectedness with the planet and all living species, and the call for Peace. Numerous students around the world came together to share their own personal stories of Peace and why Peace is so important.
In conjunction with the International Day of Peace, a brand new "peace anthem" will be released into -- and resound around -- the world.
"Ode to Peace" was recorded in Jerusalem, the City of Peace, on September 7, 2014. Composed and conducted by Frédéric Chaslin, "Ode to Peace" is performed by the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.
Produced by French-Israeli producer Andre Djaoui in association with Jean Trudel of the Montreal-based Cercle de Paix/Circle of Peace, "Ode to Peace" will be released as "a gift to the world from Jerusalem", on Peace Day, as part of the peace wave that begins with a moment of silence at noon in every time zone around the world.
"There has never been a better time to release such a message into the world," says Frédéric Chaslin. "Through the universal language of music -- combined with the voices of children -- we can deliver a message of peace and hope directly to people's hearts and souls."
"Ode to Peace" includes a chorus with original lyrics by Djaoui and Trudel to reflect United Nation's theme for this year's International Day of Peace -- The Right of Peoples to Peace.
"It's a historic recording made in a holy city," says Andre Djaoui, "and we are hoping that it will resonate on Peace Day and beyond with people who crave that most basic human right: the right to peace."
Cercle de Paix, as a representative of Pathways To Peace and partner organizations in the peace community will be combining to give "Ode to Peace" huge visibility in international media, on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and beyond. "This year's Peace Day is already generating unprecedented global participation on social media," says Jean Trudel. "People are speaking out and sharing messages of peace. 'Ode to Peace' is a unique and powerful piece of content that will be enjoyed and shared on every social platform."
A trailer for "Ode to Peace" will be made available online at internationaldayofpeace.org on September 19, 2014, to coincide with the official United Nations Observance ceremonies. The full video will be released on multiple channels beginning at noon in all time zones on September 21, 2014.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT "ODE TO PEACE" VISIT: www.internationaldayofpeace.orgWritten by Greg Reitman
About Greg ReitmanGREG REITMAN is a new breed of filmmaker who combines a background in writing, producing, directing, and activism. In 2000, Greg founded Blue Water Entertainment, an independent production company focusing on environmentally conscious entertainment. He recently produced the 2008 SUNDANCE Audience Award-winning feature documentary "FUEL." The tremendous success and critical acclaim generated by "FUEL" garnered Mr. Reitman the sobriquet 'Hollywood's Green Filmmaker. Greg is also a correspondent for The Huffington Post."www.gregreitman.com