UN Day Concert sends world message of peace

UNITED NATIONS - Celebrating the 67th anniversary of the foundation of the United Nations, a concert featuring US music legend Stevie Wonder was held Wednesday to send a message of peace to the world.

Wonder, a Grammy Award-winning artist and UN Messenger of Peace, performed some of his best known songs live on the stage of the UN General Assembly such as "I Just Called to Say I Love You", and called for peace and understanding among all people.

The 90-minute concert also included special celebrities such as British singer Sting, US singer Wyclef Jean, singing group The Wonder Girls from South Korea and others in a unique celebration of the work and values of the UN.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at the beginning of the performance that Wonder's songs filled people with optimism and hope, carrying people's spirit to a new height.

As UN Messenger of Peace, Wonder is more than an artist legend but a towering humanitarian. "He uses his fame and popularity to support the United Nations," Ban said.

"Tonight he gives us the gift of an unforgettable concert in celebration of our UN - the UN that stops wars and promotes peace, the UN that stands up for human rights and works to bring down poverty, hunger, disease and suffering," he said.

"Peace is something we bring about by taking small action every single day," said Wonder. "Sometimes you have to work hard to promote love over hatred. That's one reason why I make music and I love doing it."

Marked annually on Oct 24, the United Nations Day is dedicated to celebrating the organization's global efforts and achievements since its founding on this date in 1945.