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INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM MEMORANDUM 1NTERIEUR

TO: Mi. S. Iqbal Riza DATE: 10 Feb. 1998 A: Chef de Cabinet, EOSG REFERENCE:

THROUGH:

S/C DE:

Gillian Martin Sorensen/iT}Yv£"fet-jJJL>

SUBJECT: UN Voices for Peace/Peace Messengers

As you requested, I attach an earlier note from Samir Sanbar on "UN Voices for Peace". As far as I know, no further action has been taken on this subject.

May I propose that my office be responsible for UN Voices for Peace/ Peace Messenger operations? We have many ideas on this matter and it fits comfortably within our mandate and connects to our expanding contacts with the performing arts and sports world. May we discuss? 01/28/98 WED 11:49 FAX 212 963 4361 OASG DPI 0001

t v United Nations Nations Unies INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM MKMIJKAMJUM INrKlilHllll

The Secretary-General 17 eetotaer 1997 Mr. Iqbal Risa Chef de Cabinet, BOSG KIM:FIH: NCI: • THROUGH. S'C DH. Samir Sanbar Assistant Sec for Public

"UN Voices £ or. _.Peace.^', SUBJECI-

1. I propose a special outreach effort through a select number of popular artists under the title" "UN Voices for Peace'" . This may not be exclusive to singers. Others, with popular appeal, especially to youth, could be added, either under the above group or an additional one. They may include sports figures with an established record of support for educational or humanitarian causes. 2. It is commonly agreed that media attention and public interest is focused more on popular arts or sports figures than on most politicians or intellectuals. Involving some of them in UN events or in speaking on specific issues of special interest to them could consolidate support for the UN amongst new audiences never before approached. A crucial element in the selection of candidates will be genuine interest on their part and prudent, focused use of their interest by the UN. Fund- raising events for specific UN activities could be an added bonus. 3- A list of possible candidates is enclosed. It is only an indication, not an exclusive or definitive list. We could start with Maestro Pavarotti, who is already on board, and follow up on the rest. We also have to have a definite, focused plan for each candidate, taking into account their crowded calendar and the UN agenda. 4. Although the title is "UN Voices for Peace", the sub- designation could be flexibly discussed. "UN Messenger for Peace" had been overused in the early eighties, if not abused in certain instances. It was under one of the Political Affairs departments, selected mainly by a mid-level o££icer. When it did not carry bi- polar political connotations, it provided some messengers in certain countries the claim to UN representation. 01/28/98 WED 11: 49. FAX 212 963 4361 OASG DPI

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5. The "UN Envoy" or "Ambassador" which is already used by some UN programmes and agencies could be considered, but may have its confusing drawbacks. Simply "UK Voice for Peace", ceremoniously designated by the Secretary-General could be a. fresh, clear and preferred title. As the list grows -- and extends to sports figures -- for example, Adebo Pele (Ghana) ,• Akim Alujwan (Nigeria), Patrick -Ewing -(USA), etc. wider designations could be explored. In fact, some of the sports figures could address specific issues like education or the fight against drugs, and designated accordingly in consultation with the UN programme manager directly concerned. For example, "UN Voice against Drugs" or "for Human Rights" or "against Poverty" could eventually be evolved for specific cases. 6. If, and when you approve, DPI could help design a special medallion or button for that purpose. 01/28/98 WED 11:49 FAX 212 963 4361 OASG DPI 121003 f \

VOICES FOR PEACE INITIAL NAMES

King Sunny Ade Nigeria Freddy Aquilar Philippines Prance Ingrid Bergman Sweden Alfa Blondi Cote D'lvoire Bill Cosby USA Placido Domingo Spain Cesaris Evora Cape Verde Fairouz Lebanon Barry Gibb/Bee Gees Australia Whitney Houston USA Jeremy Irons United Kingdom Los Javias Chile L.L. Kool Jay USA Ismail Lo Senegal Sophia Loren Italy Enrico Macias Yehudi Menuhim United Kingdom Rita Moreno USA/Puerto Rico Milton Nasciemento Brazil Youssou N'Dour Senegal Luciano Pavarotti Italy Dolce Pontes Portugal Robert Redford USA Ravi Shankar India Paul Simon USA Lady Smith Black Mombaza South Africa Sting ^ United Kingdom Kiri Takanawe New Zealand Mikis Theodorakis -- together, as they sang Zulfu Livaneli - - on Cyprus Green Lit^e Tina Turner USA Li\r Ullman Norway Zao Congo (Brazzaville)