Events
Commemoration of the Third World Humanitarian Day, 19 August 2011
UN Headquarters, New York
Friday, 19 August 2011 at 10:30 a.m.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will lead the global launch of World Humanitarian Day at the General Assembly Hall.
A single and accompanying music video 'If I Could Change' will be premiered to pay tribute to humanitarian workers around the world. The track is a collaboration between various global artists including Ziggy Marley, Somali sister-duo Sweet Rush and Salman Ahmad from the Pakistani band Junoon.
In addition, a contributing song and video by Beyoncé will be unveiled.
Encouraging people to get involved in helping others is at the heart of World Humanitarian Day. This year, special emphasis will be placed on the unfolding humanitarian tragedy in the Horn of Africa.
The Secretary-General will launch the event following the wreath-laying ceremony organized by the United Nations Staff Union. USG Valerie Amos, UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake, and WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran will also attend, together with Sweet Rush and Salman Ahmad.
UN staff are invited to celebrate people helping people around the world.