The Mongolian band The HU was named Artist for Peace last Friday, the 25th, by UNESCO . The group is the first rock and metal band to be honored in this way by the institution and received the honors at an event in Paris, France.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay visited the group in their homeland of Mongolia in August and commented on the band's "contribution to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and its support for promoting cultural diversity through music," according to a press release. "These are qualities that resonate with UNESCO's values and work."
As Artists for Peace, The HU will help raise awareness of the UNESCO platform and promote its values and goals at upcoming events, “all in the name of making positive change, just as the band does through its music,” wrote the UNESCO website.
There, the institution also explained that HU means human being in Mongolian. “With this name, the group asserts its humanist commitment. Through their music, they address the themes of gender equality, respect for difference, and the importance of protecting nature. They also promote linguistic diversity by using regional dialects threatened with extinction.”
Commenting on the tribute, vocalist Galbadrakh “Gala” Tsendbaatar said: “Mongols have the utmost respect for our history, culture, and language, which was passed down to us thousands of years ago by our elders and ancestors. The aim and purpose of HU is, first and foremost, to present a unique musical genre that empowers every listener. Secondly, it is to show the world Mongolia’s nomadic and environmentally conscious way of life, passed down through generations, and to inspire others to live minimalist lives and enjoy life to the fullest.”
The musician added that the partnership between the rock group and UNESCO will raise awareness of cultures that distinguish themselves through their unique heritage and core values.
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