Tan Dun, one of the most famous Chinese composers of the world, was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in March 2013, in recognition of his efforts to promote intercultural dialogue through music.

In his capacity as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Tan Dun supports UNESCO’s work in the fields of water and intercultural dialogue in China and around the world.

In March 2013, he conducted a special concert entitled “Music for Water” dedicated to water at UNESCO Headquarters. This event celebrated World Water Day, during the International Year of Water Cooperation.

In January 2014, he made a keynote speech for the annual International Society of Performing Arts (ISPA) conference in New York, raising awareness on water and air pollution.

In addition, Tan Dun promoted the diversity of languages through his participation to UNESCO’s Silk Roads initiative. In the framework of the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022), he organized a concert to introduce nine musicians from all along the Silk Road to represent their musical traditions and introduce their instruments to the general public.