"Jazz has the power to make men forget their differences and come together...Jazz is the personification of transforming overwhelmingly negative circumstances into freedom, friendship, hope, and dignity." Spoken by Quincy Jones at the First International Jazz Day in 2012 at the United Nations.

The soul of Jazz is expressed in the life of its humblest most gifted people. Musicians find expressions humility, courage, and deep heritage, from the past to its vast promise for the future.

Jazz breaks down barriers and creates opportunities for mutual understanding and tolerance. It is a path of freedom of expression; a symbol of unity and peace.

Jazz reduces tensions between individuals, groups, and communities while nurturing gender equality. This music strengthens the role youth play for social change.

Jazz encourages artistic innovation, improvisation, new forms of expression, and inclusion of traditional music forms into new ones.

Jazz stimulates intercultural dialogue and empowers young people from disregarded societies.

In April 2012, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (TMIJ) spearheaded and organized the historical events which took place around the world where Jazz legends gathered together for key events at UNESCO's Headquarters in Paris, at the United Nations' Headquarters in New York, as well as at the emblematic Congo Square in New Orleans. From Algiers to Buenos Aires, from Kuala Lumpur to Warsaw, from Lom�� to Santo Domingo, more than a hundred countries celebrated this day.

After the UNESCO General Conference in November 2011, April 30th was declared International Jazz Day.

On April 30, 2012, the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), United Nations missions, U.S. embassies and government outposts around the world hosted special events for the First Annual International Jazz Day on April 30, 2012 to honor this respected musical art form called Jazz. Universities, libraries, schools, community centers, performing arts venues and arts organizations of all disciplines around the world marked the day through concerts, education programs, seminars, lectures, book readings, public jam sessions, master classes, photo exhibitions, dance recitals, film and documentary screenings, theater presentations and spoken word performances. More than one billion people around the world were reached through 2012 International Jazz Day programs and media coverage.

In 2012, UNESCO and the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz presented three high-profile programs: A daylong celebration in Paris at UNESCO World Headquarters; a sunrise concert in New Orleans' Congo Square, the birthplace of Jazz; and a sunset concert at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York City. Among the world-renowned artists that participated were