A universal language: celebrating International Jazz Day at the UN Goals Lounge
At the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Goals Lounge came alive with music, conversation and shared energy as artists, students, UN diplomats and staff gathered to celebrate International Jazz Day.
From the outset, the message was clear: jazz is more than music. It is a language—one that connects people across cultures, generations and borders.
“Music opens doors where words sometimes cannot,” said Courtney Rattray, Chef de Cabinet to the UN Secretary-General, describing music as a form of diplomacy that creates space for dialogue, listening and connection. Marking one of more than 200 events taking place worldwide, the celebration underscored the role of culture in building more inclusive and resilient communities.
The evening, curated by the UN Office for Partnerships in collaboration with the Jazz House Kids and WBGO, brought together renowned musicians alongside emerging talent for an intergenerational conversation and live performance.
Young artists Ava McCune and Desmond Diehl shared how jazz has shaped their journeys—teaching confidence, creativity and the importance of community. For them, the music is not just about individual expression, but about contributing to something larger.
“Jazz is a conversation,” McCune reflected. “Everyone has a voice.”
Jazz legend Billy Hart echoed this sentiment, offering a lifetime of insight into music and mentorship. His message to the next generation was simple but enduring: what you give—to your craft and to others—comes back in return.
The dialogue highlighted the deep connections between tradition and innovation, showing how jazz is passed from mentors to students, evolving while staying rooted in its essence. It also reflected a broader vision—of a world where diverse voices come together to create something meaningful.
The evening ended with a vibrant performance that carried forward a shared rhythm and sense of possibility. It reaffirmed music’s power to inspire, connect and uplift.