Director-General's remarks at the Concert “From Morricone to Bacalov: the Music and Screen of Southern Italian Cinema"

Concert “From Morricone to Bacalov: the Music and Screen of Southern Italian Cinema"

Thursday, 5 February 2026, at 6.00 p.m. 
Assembly Hall, Palais des Nations

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Palais des Nations and to this magnificent Assembly Hall for this evening’s concert: “From Morricone to Bacalov: the Music and Screen of Southern Italian Cinema.” I would like to thank H.E. Ambassador Vignali, the Permanent Mission of Italy, and all its partners for bringing this special event to Geneva, following its presentations in Los Angeles and New York last year.

This evening, we come together not only to enjoy an artistic performance — enhanced by cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence — but also to mark the opening of another year of the Human Rights Council and its important work, and to welcome Italy for its fourth term on the Council for the period 2026–2028.

The United Nations and its Member States share a core conviction: that human rights are the foundation of peace, dignity and justice. They are the anchor of our common world, guiding our efforts to build societies that are more inclusive, more equitable, and more resilient.

This evening’s event invites us to pause and reflect on these values. Culture has an extraordinary ability to bring people together, to break down barriers, and to start conversations. By sharing our culture and art with each other, we experience a sense of solidarity that goes beyond borders, languages, and differences. It reminds us that, despite our diverse histories and perspectives, we share the same hopes for peace, respect, and understanding.  

This evening, we celebrate not only Italy’s membership of the Human Rights Council, but also the power of music and cinema – both forms of storytelling – to transcend barriers between people.

As these talented young musicians guide us on a journey through the soundtracks of Southern Italian cinema, I invite you to let the music and images carry you, and to reflect on the idea that what unites us is stronger than that what divides us. Moments of shared experience such as this one are important, and underline that it is imperative to work for a world where human rights are not just ideals, but everyday realities for all.  
 
I wish you all a wonderful and inspiring evening. Thank you.