What looked like a superheroes convention, turned out to be in fact a gathering of humanity’s most courageous real life heroes.
On August 18, citizens from over 150 countries gathered at the United Nations to celebrate the eve of National Humanitarian day in the #ShareHumanity concert. Hundreds of influential diplomatic leaders of the world were seen clapping, and singing with emotion from the top of their lungs.
Pictured from left to right, Colombian music superstar Juanes, Malian-French singer/songwriter Inna Modja, and Australian singer/songwriter Cody Simpson, at the #ShareHumanity event in celebration of World Humanitarian Day at the United Nations in New York, Tuesday, August 18, 2015. (Stuart Ramson/AP Images for United Nations )
Before the tears and emotional sing a long began, guests enjoyed a perfectly crafted program that featured internationally known do-gooders. It was hosted by the elegant Good Morning America Anchor, Amy Robach who introduced Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, as well as the special guests of the night: Juanes, Cody Simpson, Inna Modja, Nima Elbagir, and Suroosh Alvi.
The first speaker to share their humanitarian experience was the award-winning CNN international correspondent, Nima Elbagir. A courageous woman who has covered the biggest stories in the African region, including conflict in Darfur, the ebola outbreak, and the Boko Haram kidnapping. Elbagir spoke about the needs she has seen in all of the conflict zones, and how these are very similar to every other human being whether living in a war zone or not.
“Everyone has a right to want the same things and we shouldn’t forget that.” She spoke about the difficulty of relating to people that one has never met; therefore, emphasizing the need to “help us see the people behind the crisis.” People who like us, are looking for a soft bed to sleep on, a calm sunday dinner with the family, and a fulfilling job.
Words from empowering women continued with the Malian-French singer/songwriter Inna Modja. With beautiful complexion and poised aura, the african singer swayed softly while singing her new song about the difficulty her countrymen are having with finding clean water. She also took the opportunity to talk about her activism against female genital mutilation. As a victim herself, she understands the pain and psychological effects it causes. Nevertheless, Inna Modja encouraged everyone to share her story and music so that other women and girls find motivation and courage to retake their femininity and future.
The night took a charismatic turn when Vice Media co-founder, Suroosh Alvi spoke about the beginnings of the award winning content producer. He was witty in his answers and spoke out about their success with millennials. Alvi assured the audience that the young generation is definitely interested in what is happening outside of their surroundings, they are just not as interested in traditional media coverage. They want the raw, one hundred percent honest news. This is what Vice has mastered by covering the most controversial conflicts of today with a new angle.
To end the night on a musical tone, Juanes the Colombian musical superstar and activist agains anti-personnel mines, surprised the crowd with a brand new song that he wrote three days ago. He also took this opportunity to speak about Colombia’s path to peace and the United States’ immigration policies. “I also hope for a more dignified immigration process in this country, a person or a family should not be stripped of human rights simply for wanting a better life. Above all things we are all human beings and should be treated as such.”
With some laughs and Spanish remarks about being happy to be there, Juanes apologized for not having a name for the song yet, and gave us a quick lesson on what goes in the process of getting a song published. Everyone was now even more excited to know that they were being the first ones to listen to the new tunes from the Latin Rock celebrity.
When Juanes stopped the music and asked every single person in the room to stand up and join him, it was emotional and absolutely encouraging to see how everyone complied happily, clapped, and sang these simple five words : “this world needs more love.”
For more information on World Humanitarian Day and its groundbreaking digital campaign #ShareHumanity, please visit www.worldhumanitarianday.org.
Colombian music superstar Juanes performs at the #ShareHumanity event in celebration of World Humanitarian Day at the United Nations in New York, Tuesday, August 18, 2015. (Stuart Ramson/AP Images for United Nations )
Australian singer/songwriter Cody Simpson performs at the #ShareHumanity event, celebrating World Humanitarian Day at the United Nations in New York, Tuesday, August 18, 2015. (Stuart Ramson/AP Images for United Nations )
