International Jazz Day 2025 Unites the World in Abu Dhabi with Music and Cultural Harmony

 
May 4, 2025 – The global community gathered to celebrate the 14th annual International Jazz Day on April 30, 2025, highlighting jazz as a universal language of peace and dialogue. This UNESCO-designated event, led by legendary pianist Herbie Hancock, who serves as both UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and President of the International Committee of Artists for Peace (ICAP), brought together musicians from across the globe in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Abu Dhabi: A Cultural Crossroads for Jazz
 
Abu Dhabi, a UNESCO Creative City of Music, hosted an impressive five-week citywide celebration featuring performances, educational workshops, and community engagement initiatives. The celebration began with a remarkable Opening Ceremony at Qasr Al Watan, the Palace of the Nation, where Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, officially welcomed International Jazz Day to Abu Dhabi. The event featured remarks by UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone and included a moving solo performance of “Maiden Voyage” by Herbie Hancock alongside a stirring presentation of traditional Arabic music by local artists.
 
The centerpiece was the All-Star Global Concert at the magnificent Etihad Arena, broadcast live to millions worldwide across multiple platforms. The concert, directed by Hancock and hosted by Academy Award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, featured an extraordinary lineup of international talent from 14 countries including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Etienne Charles, Kurt Elling, Ruthie Foster, José James, John McLaughlin, Hélène Mercier, Marcus Miller, Danilo Pérez, John Pizzarelli, Dianne Reeves, David Sánchez, Arturo Sandoval, Janis Siegel, Varijashree Venugopal, and Arqam Al Abri representing the UAE.

During the concert, Hancock reflected on the essence of jazz, referencing his longtime friend and collaborator Wayne Shorter’s famous definition: “For me, the word ‘jazz’ means, ‘I dare you.’” Hancock elaborated that this spirit of daring – of creative risk-taking and pushing boundaries – embodies what International Jazz Day seeks to celebrate and promote globally.
 
“Jazz has always been about bringing people together across cultural divides,” Hancock continued, connecting his work with ICAP to his dedication to promoting peace through music. “International Jazz Day exemplifies how artistic expression can transcend political boundaries and create meaningful human connections.”
 
Memorable Musical Moments

The All-Star Global Concert featured several spectacular collaborations and performances. Dee Dee Bridgewater delivered a groove-driven version of “The Thrill Is Gone” alongside guitar virtuosos John McLaughlin and John Pizzarelli. In a stunning cross-cultural moment, renowned concert pianist Hélène Mercier of Paris and emerging talent A Bu of Beijing united two continents in a dazzling duo piano performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”—a classical tribute to the spirit and rhythm of jazz.
 
Other highlights included Arturo Sandoval, David Sánchez and Danilo Pérez honoring Dizzy Gillespie with their electrifying performance of “Tin Tin Deo,” while John McLaughlin showcased his innovative jazz fusion with his original composition “As The Spirit Sings.” Dianne Reeves delivered a poignant rendition of “Someone to Watch Over Me,” and José James infused the Rolling Stones classic “Miss You” with his unique blend of soul. The concert concluded with the traditional finale of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” bringing the audience to their feet in a celebration of unity through music.

Bridging Traditions
 
A highlight of this year’s celebration was the fusion of jazz with traditional Emirati musical elements, showcasing “Arabic Jazz” through indigenous instruments like the oud, qanoon, and ney. This cultural exchange embodied the core mission of ICAP under Hancock’s leadership: fostering mutual understanding and respect through artistic collaboration.
 
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi served as the International Jazz Day 2025 Host City Partner, with major global support provided by the Doris Duke Foundation. United, the International Jazz Day Global Airline Partner, provided air transportation and additional support for artists and educators.
 
Educational Outreach and Cultural Dialogue

Jazz Day 2025 celebrations in Abu Dhabi included dozens of community outreach programs, bringing jazz to young children and aspiring professionals at venues including Berklee Abu Dhabi, Bait Al Oud, and the Cultural Foundation. In partnership with the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, the program included a special concert at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and a thought-provoking conversation between Herbie Hancock and Financial Times CEO John Ridding.
 
Education remained central to the celebration. Local institutions conducted specialized workshops, while schools worldwide accessed resources exploring jazz’s history and cultural significance.
 
Global Impact

Since its establishment by UNESCO in 2011 at Hancock’s initiative, International Jazz Day has grown into the world’s largest annual jazz celebration, reaching more than 2 billion people annually through performances, education programs, community outreach, and media outlets across all continents. Around the world, thousands of performances, masterclasses, jam sessions, education and community programs took place in more than 190 countries.
 
The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz is the lead nonprofit organization charged by UNESCO with planning, promoting, and producing International Jazz Day each year, working alongside UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, who co-chairs the annual celebration with Hancock.
 
Looking Forward
 
As the 2025 celebration concluded, UNESCO announced that Hancock’s hometown of Chicago will host the 15th anniversary International Jazz Day celebration in 2026. Under Hancock’s continued leadership at ICAP, the event will undoubtedly build on its legacy of promoting peace, intercultural dialogue, and artistic excellence.
 
“Through ICAP and International Jazz Day, we’re creating a global network of artists dedicated to positive change,” Hancock reflected. “Jazz teaches us to listen to each other, respect different voices, and create harmony from diversity – principles our world needs now more than ever.”
 
For more information on International Jazz Day and to register events for 2026, visit jazzday.com or unesco.org.

The International Committee of Artist of Peace thanks UNESCO and Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz for use of these images.
See the full show on the following YouTube Video.

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