The United Nations cultural agency, has appointed musician Kudsi Ergüner, as an Artist for Peace in recognition of his efforts to promote the universal values of music, his contribution to the protection of musical heritage support for the International Decade of the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022), and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Organization.

Paying tribute to Mr. Ergüner, Irina Bokova, Director-General of the UN Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said: “Your life and work have been guided by a profound passion to bring the past to life, to share the wisdom and beauty of traditions, to pass their messages of peace and dialogue to current and future generations, to share the depth of Mevlevi Sufi music, building on Persian and Turkish traditions, mixing this with poetry, literature and living arts across the region.”

The appointment ceremony was held yesterday at the Congress Center in the Turkish capital, Istanbul, following the opening ceremony of the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee.

“I’m an artist but also a man of action and I hope to share my actions in the framework of UNESCO alongside other Artists for Peace,” said Mr. Ergüner.

Born in Turkey in 1952, Mr. Ergüner is a musician, player of the ney (reed flute), composer, musicologist, teacher, author and translator. Trained by his father, Ulvi Ergüner, the last great master of the flute, he has given concerts all over the world and has collaborated with artists, such as Peter Gabriel, Maurice Béjart, Peter Brook and Didier Lockwood.

UNESCO Artists for Peace are internationally renowned personalities who use their influence and prestige to promote the agency’s programs. UNESCO is working with them to increase public awareness regarding key development issues and the role of the Organization in these areas.