Noticias del Portal de la Cultura de América Latina y el Caribe

Director-General presents "Keep on keeping on" with Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and Chucho Valdes



UNESCO

30 April 2017/ ODG

“Jazz and Cinema are truly the defining art forms of the XXth century. Combined, they open the doors of artistic expression, and this is the way we can transform societies, for more freedom, more dignity, more cohesion [… ] to unite around common values and deepen our understanding of all forms of expression”, said Director-General Irina Bokova at the inauguration of the documentary “Keep on keeping on" together with UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and Chucho Valdes. The screening was held on 29 April, the eve of International Jazz Day.

During the interactive debate, the three history-making jazzmen traced how jazz fell in love with cinema to showcase some of the best jazz musicians.

On the same day, the Director-General met with the Cuban Minister of Sciences, Technology and Environment, Ms Elba Rosa Pérez Montoya. The meeting was an opportunity for Irina Bokova to congratulate Cuba for 70 years of fruitful cooperation with UNESCO and reiterated the Organization’s commitment to provide further support to Cuba in its fields of competences.

The Director-General highlighted particularly the importance of Cuba’s work to advance in the articulation between scientific research, decision-making, the dissemination of the results of science and the development of evidence-based public policies.

She also underscored the importance of continued cooperation in order to address emerging challenges through the use of ICTs to building inclusive Knowledge Societies.

The Director-General also met with Mr Eusebio Leal Spengler, Historian of the City of Havana and its cultural centre and Director of its restoration programme. She commended Mr Leal’s continuous commitment and innovative approach to the rehabilitation of Old Havana and its fortifications, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.