Yo-Yo Ma
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, a United Nations Messenger of Peace, performs at International Day of Peace event at United Nations Headquarters in New York City, 21 September 2006.
Photo Credit: UN Photo/Marco CastroRenowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma was designated as United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2006 and is expanding his efforts to expose young audiences to music and promoting the Organization’s values among young people. Born in Paris to Chinese parents and educated in the United States, Mr. Ma believes that music can act as a magnet to draw people together. In 1998, this winner of multiple Grammy awards created the Silk Road Project to promote the study of cultural, artistic and intellectual traditions along the ancient Silk Road trade route, which sweeps through cultures from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. He recently contributed music for a DVD produced in support with the Stop TB Partnership Campaign with the World Health Organization.