International Jazz Day

FORUM : ''The power of jazz in fostering intercultural dialogue, unity and artistic exchange.'' International Jazz Day 2026 . Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The celebration highlights the power of jazz and its role in promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than 2 billion people annually on all continents through education programmes, performances, community outreach, radio, television and streaming, along with electronic, print and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing International Jazz Day each year. UNESCO appointed Herbie Hancock as Goodwill Ambassador in 2011 for his commitment to intercultur...

In celebration of International Jazz Day, the United Nations Office for Partnerships will convene an event in collaboration with UN Fashion and Lifestyle Network members WBGO, a leading non-profit cultural institution and jazz radio station, and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS, a prominent arts and education organization. The convening will explore the importance of jazz across generations and its role in advancing the SDGs through community, education, and creative expression. Watch the international Jazz Day: Celebrating Communities in Rhythm! High-level Events

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011, International Jazz Day marks the 15th anniversary this year. The Jazz Day reflects our conviction that culture plays an essential role in fostering understanding between peoples and the dialogue begins with listening. The UNESCO creative cities network today counts 84 creative cities of music. Each using music as a vehicle for international cooperation. Music is also a cornerstone of cultures and identities as demonstrated by the many musical practices on the UNESCO representative list of the intangible cultural heritage. UNESCO works with its partners, including the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, to promote culture as a force for sustainability. This year, the global all-star concert takes place in the iconic lyric opera in Chicago, the hometown of our dear friend and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock. Let us come together in the spirit of jazz for peace and dialogue for all people. I hope to be present with ...

The global celebration of International Jazz Day 2025 culminates in Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Led by iconic pianist Herbie Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, this concert will bring together an extraordinary lineup of renowned jazz, blues, classical, and hip-hop artists from around the world. Among those set to perform: Arqam Al Abri (UAE) , John Beasley (USA) , Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA) , A Bu (China) , Terri Lyne Carrington (USA) , Kurt Elling (USA) , José James (USA) , Rhani Krija (Morocco) , John McLaughlin (UK) , Hélène Mercier (France/Canada) , Marcus Miller (USA) , Linda May Han Oh (Australia) , John Pizzarelli (USA) , Dianne Reeves (USA) , Arturo Sandoval (USA) , Naseer Shamma (Iraq) , Danilo Pérez (Panama) , and Varijashree Venugopal (India) . Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks. About the International Jazz Day: Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations G...

Established by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2011 and recognized by the United Nations General Assembly, International Jazz Day brings together countries and communities worldwide every 30 April. The annual International Jazz Day celebration on April 30th , highlights the power of jazz and its role in promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity and respect for human dignity. International Jazz Day has become a global movement reaching more than 2 billion people annually on all continents through education programmes , Jazz performances , community outreach, radio, television and streaming, along with electronic, print and social media. The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing International Jazz Day each year.