Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, President of Fundacion Onuart, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
 
Congratulations on this commemoration of Human Rights Day. I thank the Fundacion Onuart for organizing this concert.  We are especially honoured to have Maestro Daniel Barenboim – an artistic genius and champion of humanity.
 
Abuses and atrocities can only be addressed by defending and upholding universal human rights. Music is not only a powerful reminder of, but critical tool to advance, our common humanity.
 
This spirit of global citizenship conveyed through the universal language of music is urgently needed in our world of rising xenophobia. Demagogues and radical extremists are trying to exploit fears. We must respond with hope, and encouragement for all to act.
 
That is the purpose of the TOGETHER campaign which I launched to promote respect, safety and dignity for all people.
 
I hope this concert inspires you to join our international push for compassion. All of you can help to break barriers and build bridges.
 
Let us work ceaselessly for human rights, human dignity and peace worldwide.
 
Thank you.