During her meeting with the members of the Government of Paraguay, the Director-General commended the country’s active engagement in support of UNESCO’s objectives. In particular, she congratulated the government of President Horacio Cartes Jara for his strong commitment to equitable and sustainable management of water resources, environmental protection and the promotion of a ‘green economy.’

Irina Bokova also expressed her deep satisfaction with the Orchestra H2O joining UNESCO’s family of Goodwill Ambassadors and Artists for Peace, recalling the Orchestra’s promotion of respect for human rights, cultural diversity and dignity across the world through greater solidarity, starting with the vital role of water.

Mr. Eladio Loizaga underlined that Paraguay enjoys excellent relations with UNESCO and underscored his country’s continued support towards quality education, social inclusion and culture as drivers for sustainable development.

The meeting was followed by the official designation ceremony and artistic performance of the Orchestra "H2O Sounds of the Earth" as a UNESCO Artist for Peace – the title of the orchestra testifies to its dedication to advocating for environmental awareness and protection globally.

In its capacity as a UNESCO Artist for Peace, the Orchestra will support UNESCO’s advocacy and work in the area of freshwater, including on the World Water Day, celebrated on 22 March. It will also raise awareness, through local projects in Paraguay, on the importance of such issues as social justice, access to education and sustainable water management.

“The Orchestra demonstrates the power of youth and music as a wellspring for creativity, cooperation and mutual understanding”, said Irina Bokova.

For his part, Foreign Minister Eladio Lozaga emphasized that ‎"culture consolidates the identity of a nation, contributing to the advancement of humanity and to a civilization committed to peace and justice – the H2O Orchestra is evidence of the transformational effect of culture and education on society”.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the Orchestra, Maestro Luis Szarán stressed that “the H2O Orchestra, with its musical instruments made of elements of daily life that contain and transport water, seeks to raise awareness to the paramount urgency to preserve water from scarcity across the planet, and to the value of it as a non-renewable natural resource”.