Background

Symphony for Water and Peace

Building Peace Art for Water and Peace
A musical composition created globally to symbolize and inspire the use of water as a means for cooperation and peace.

In parallel with the Global High Level Panel on Water and Peace's reflections and the development of their final report, "A Matter of Survival," a unique musical journey took place, transcending language barriers. Musicians from around the world accompanied and enriched the panel's reflections, resulting in an original Symphony for Water and Peace. The composition of the symphony progressed as the Panel convened in different continents, aiming to become a powerful symbol and inspiration for all efforts to promote water as a source of cooperation and peace.

  • The symphony's 1st Movement was composed by Swiss double-bass player Mich Gerber, who performed during the Panel's opening ceremony in Geneva in November 2015.

  • Senegalese musician Alune Wade created the 2nd Movement for the Panel's second meeting in Dakar in April 2016, with contributions from Syrian flutist Naissam Jalal.

  • Costa Rican musician and musical director Carlos Guzman composed the 3rd Movement for the Panel's third meeting in San José, Costa Rica, in December 2016.

  • The 4th Movement was composed by Jordanian musician Tarek Younis for the Panel's meeting in Amman, Jordan, in May 2017.

The first four Movements of the Symphony for Water and Peace showcase the universal language of music and its power to unite people in the pursuit of a common goal – promoting water as a catalyst for peace and cooperation.