Music Enhances ECOSOC’s 80th Anniversary at UN

New York, United States – In support of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), UPF sponsored a musical performance by members of the New York City Symphony, in the historic ECOSOC Chamber at United Nations Headquarters in New York on January 23, 2026. Although founded the previous year, ECOSOC held its first meeting on January 23, 1946.

The commemorative event was chaired by H.E. Mr. Lok Bahadur Thapa, president of the Economic and Social Council. Distinguished speakers included H.E. Mr. António Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations; H.E. Ms. Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly; along with other high-level dignitaries. The chamber was filled with ambassadors, representatives of member states, officials from UN agencies, and leaders from civil society, reflecting the global reach and enduring relevance of ECOSOC’s mission.

Several weeks prior to the celebration, Mr. Thapa invited Dr. Tageldin Hamad, president of UPF-International, to contribute to the anniversary observance. In response, UPFI called upon Maestro David Eaton, who serves as global coordinator of the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP), one of UPF’s seven affiliated associations. Maestro Eaton is the musical director of the New York City Symphony; under his inspired direction, members of the orchestra presented five musical selections, chosen to honor the spirit of international cooperation and shared humanity at the heart of ECOSOC’s work. This performance marked the seventh occasion on which the New York City Symphony has performed at the United Nations, continuing a meaningful tradition of using music as a universal language for peace and unity.

The ECOSOC Advisory Council for this commemorative year was composed of five nations: Spain, the Dominican Republic, Algeria, Armenia, and Nepal, with Nepal serving as the presiding nation. Maestro Eaton curated and arranged five musical compositions representing these countries, weaving together diverse cultural expressions into a harmonious musical narrative that reflected ECOSOC’s inclusive global vision.

Since IAACP’s founding in 2020, Maestro Eaton has been deeply engaged in concerts, educational initiatives, and international webinars that advance UPF’s vision of peace through the transformative power of art and culture. The inspiration for IAACP was articulated by Dr. Hak Ja Han, co-founder of UPF, in her keynote address at the Rally of Hope on November 22, 2020. In her address, she reflected on the profound legacy of European artistic expression and its classical tradition that have been shaped by centuries of Christian influence on art and music. She expressed her hope that this heritage might serve as a universal model, one through which all nations could elevate culture as a pathway toward peace and mutual understanding.

These enduring principles continue to guide the work of UPF and the IAACP, affirming the belief that the arts possess a unique and powerful capacity to unite humanity and inspire a lasting culture of peace.

By David Eaton, Global Coordinator, IAACP January 23, 2026