Statement of JM International on Recent Tragic Events

Following the series of sad events that happened across the globe and ending with the latest attack in Brussels on March 22nd 2016, Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI), a worldwide youth music network, speaking on behalf of 2,300 professional staff and more than 6 million members worldwide, issues the following statement:   

Deeply saddened by the events unfolding, but standing resolute in the promotion of diversity and intercultural dialogue, the JMI network strongly condemns the motives behind and the very acts of terror that struck so many cultures and societies across the globe recently: in this sorrowful time, our thoughts go to the families and friends of all the victims in Belgium, France, Turkey, Yemen, Afghanistan, Tunisia, Russia, Lebanon, Mali, Libya, Iraq and USA.

Acting both alone and with other sectors in the society, arts and culture are a powerful road to open dialogue, learning and acceptance, a road to quality social integration.

Therefore, we call upon the fellow arts and culture networks across the world, we call upon the relevant national and international governmental institutions, and finally upon the people themselves, to make every positive effort possible to bridge the social, economic, geographical and cultural differences across all boundaries, standing united and resolved to continue our way of life, preserve and improve our societies based on the values of freedom, democracy, tolerance and solidarity.

- Jeunesses Musicales International