Opening remarks of the UN Resident Coordinator on the UN Day Commemoration in Talas city

Salamat-syz-dar-by! Kosh kelingiz-der!

Distinguished Plenipotentiary Representative of the President for Talas Oblast, H.E. Mr. Nurlan Dardanov, distinguished representatives of the local authorities, esteemed guests, dear partners of the United Nations in Kyrgyzstan, dear students, teachers and parents, 

It is an immense pleasure and honor to be here with all of you today and welcome you on behalf of the United Nations to this concert to celebrate United Nations Day in your beautiful city.

This occasion holds great significance as we reflect upon the founding principles of the United Nations. It is, therefore, fitting that today we have the privilege of witnessing a concert performed by talented young musicians, who have chosen to honor the values that the United Nations upholds since its creation 78 years ago: peace, freedom and justice, social progress and better standards of living for all, equality, tolerance and dignity.

As we enjoy the enchanting melodies and harmonious notes echoing through this historic region of Talas, let us keep the shared goals between the United Nations and this concert in mind: The United Nations was founded with the vision of a world free from war, where all nations could live together in peace and where every individual can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is a place where nations come together to collectively address global challenges and work towards building a more just and sustainable future. These young musicians, through their art, embody the essence of this vision, reminding us of the power of music to foster understanding, bridge divides, and promote dialogue among cultures and people.

We chose Talas to commemorate UN Day as the region is known for its significant contributions to Kyrgyzstan's cultural and historical heritage, having inspired generations of Kyrgyzstanis to study the Manas epic and delve into Chingiz Aitmatov’s rich literature. We also chose Talas because this year, we celebrate the 95th anniversary of Chingiz Aitmatov whose works have much in common with the United Nations. We remember and honor Chingiz Aitmatov not only as a literary genius but also as a cultural ambassador. His profound influence on Kyrgyz literature and his role as a bridge builder between cultures will continue to inspire future generations. I had the privilege of visiting the Aitmatov Museum in Sheker village, where I witnessed his writings which champion the values of peace, tolerance, and intercultural dialogue – values that are at the very core of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals. In connection with Chingiz Aitmatov, it would be remiss not to mention another citizen of Talas, Theodor Herzsen, who made invaluable contributions to the Manas epic by illustrating all four books of the Manas epic.

So Talas has always been a place where knowledge and wisdom have been cherished, and where the flame of education has burned bright. I would therefore, a day after we all celebrated Teacher’s Day, also like to honor the teachers among us who have dedicated their lives to shaping the minds of future generations.

This concert, performed by these young musicians, is a testament to the power of education and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities. It is a reminder that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about instilling values, nurturing creativity, and fostering empathy.

At the same time, the concert serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in the development of youth, who form almost half of Kyrgyzstan’s society. And it is a reminder that we all have a responsibility to live our lives in a manner that ensures the future of today’s youth on this precious planet. Central to this is the responsibility to safeguard nature and actively contribute to mitigate the impact of climate change, a topic so relevant for Kyrgyzstan and Talas region.

As we applaud the talents of these young musicians, let us also reflect on the role we all have to play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations. In this era of unprecedented challenges, it is vital that we come together, across all sectors and communities, to address issues such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and conflict.

In conclusion, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, the performers, and all those who have made this celebration possible. My special thanks go to the  talents from the music school named after Abdraev, to the Talas local administration, and to all of you for your unwavering dedication to a better future.

May this concert fill our hearts with hope and our souls with the belief that together, we can create a better future for all. The United Nations family in the Kyrgyz Republic will continue accompanying you on this journey.

Thank you and Happy United Nations Day!

Chon Rahmat.