July 10, 2026 — The United Nations Staff Recreation Council Singers presented its Summer Concert 2026 on Friday evening at The Church of St. Monica in New York City. Featuring songs from around the world performed in their original languages, the concert showcased diverse cultural traditions and promoted cross-cultural understanding, friendship, and unity through music.
Ms.Paula Serrano the President of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Choir, Mr.Guillermo Vaisman Argentine conductor, and a choir member working at UNFPA were interviewed by Celebrity Media.
The concert began at 6:45 p.m. at the church, located at 413 East 79th Street in Manhattan. The performance was conducted by Guillermo Vaisman, the ensemble’s Argentina-born music director and choir conductor. New York-based Chinese pianist Ming Jin served as accompanist. Carlo Zenarosa was the assistant conductor, Erica Gaston served as section leader, and Florencia de Castro appeared as soloist.
Player loading...
The program spanned Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, reflecting the international character of the United Nations community. The concert opened with the Kenyan piece “Bwana Ni Nani Atakayekaa?”, followed by the Italian work “Fratello Sole, Sorella Luna,” the Scottish and Irish folk song “Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?”, and the Japanese song “Oboro Zukiyo.”
Other selections included the Cuban piece “Son de Camagüey,” the American folk song “Shenandoah,” the Peruvian song “Estrellita del Sur,” and the Italian works “Non Potho Reposare” and “Appunti Andalusi.” The choir also performed “Sing Me to Heaven” by American composer Daniel Gawthrop and “My Soul Is a River” by Ben Allaway.
The European classical choral section featured “Cantique de Jean Racine” by French composer Gabriel Fauré and “Abendlied” by German composer Josef Gabriel Rheinberger. Later in the program, the ensemble presented the Swahili folk song “Bwana Awabariki,” from Tanzania and Kenya, and concluded with the Filipino song “Minamahal Kita,” meaning “I Love You.”
Music Director Guillermo Vaisman, originally from Entre Ríos, Argentina, is a New York-based arranger, accordionist, and founder of several musical ensembles. He studied at the Julián Aguirre and Juan José Castro conservatories and at the Universidad Argentina in Buenos Aires, later conducting at some of Argentina’s most prestigious venues, including Teatro Colón.
Vaisman has led the United Nations Singers since 2004. In 2012, he founded Cappella Sur, a vocal ensemble devoted to South American and Spanish-language repertoire. He is also the founder of Mate Amargo and the accordion-violin duo Viento. As an accordionist, he is active in New York’s tango scene and has performed in the United States, Japan, and other countries. He has conducted more than 900 concerts worldwide and served as artistic director and producer of the first Cappella Sur International Choir Festival in New York City in 2024.
Accompanist Ming Jin is a classical pianist based in New York. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Mannes School of Music, where he developed a strong foundation in chamber music and collaborative performance. He is dedicated to creating expressive performances that connect meaningfully with audiences.
A defining feature of the evening was the choir’s commitment to performing songs in their original languages. By bringing together different languages, melodies, and cultural traditions on one stage, the concert demonstrated the power of music to transcend national, ethnic, and linguistic boundaries. The performance was warmly received and concluded with thunderous applause from the audience.
Celebrity Media Reporting from the United Nations General Assembly Hall: On July 9, 2026, the second International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide was held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York. United Nations officials, representatives of Member States, survivors, families of victims, and members of the international community gathered to honor those who lost their lives in the Srebrenica genocide and to reaffirm the international community's commitment to historical truth, justice, collective memory, and the prevention of genocide.
▶
The commemorative event was organized by the Srebrenica Genocide and the United Nations Outreach Programme, which was established pursuant to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 78/282 and co-organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications. The event once again reminded the international community of the importance of remembering the atrocities committed in July 1995, when more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically separated from their families, executed, and buried in mass graves, while thousands of women, children, and elderly people were forcibly displaced.
Mr.Maher Nasser（middle） is the Director of the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Global Communications
The event was moderated by Mr. Charka Beyani, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide. In his remarks, he described Srebrenica as one of the darkest chapters in modern history and the gravest atrocity committed on European soil since the Second World War. He stressed that commemoration must go beyond mourning and be linked to accountability, the prevention of future atrocities, and the defense of historical truth. He also noted that the International Court of Justice and other international judicial bodies have determined that the crimes committed in Srebrenica in 1995 constituted genocide.
Mr.Hans Grohmann,Senior Protocol Officer
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a message through Mr. Earle Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet and Head of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. In his message, the Secretary-General called on the international community to confront denial with truth and impunity with justice. He warned that hate speech, discrimination, extremism, and the glorification of convicted war criminals are on the rise and represent dangerous warning signs that cannot be ignored. Preventing genocide, he emphasized, is a shared responsibility and the most effective way to protect humanity from repeating such tragedies.
Her Excellency Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, also addressed the event. She emphasized that commemorating Srebrenica means honoring the promises made to survivors, especially the Mothers of Srebrenica, the families of the victims, and women and children affected by conflict-related sexual violence. She called on all countries to strengthen legal, institutional, and judicial mechanisms to protect victims' rights and uphold human dignity.
His Excellency Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, delivered remarks in the United Nations General Assembly Hall. He stated that the General Assembly's adoption of the resolution establishing the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide marked an important step toward justice. He said the resolution not only encouraged Bosnia and Herzegovina but also reminded the world that memory, truth, and accountability must always be upheld.
A key segment of the event, titled "Guardians of the Memory of Srebrenica," featured testimonies from survivors and representatives of victims' associations. Their personal stories gave profound human meaning to the historical record. One survivor recalled spending a freezing night outside the United Nations compound, hearing people crying and running, and growing up without the presence of his father. These testimonies reminded the audience that genocide leaves behind not only death tolls but also generations of enduring pain and irreversible loss.
Many speakers emphasized that genocide does not begin with mass graves. It begins with hatred, discrimination, dehumanization, and the division of people into "us" and "them." Therefore, the commemoration was not only about remembering history but also about confronting the challenges of today's world. In the face of hate speech, ethnic division, and historical denial, the international community must recognize warning signs earlier and respond with greater determination.
The event also highlighted the important role of the Srebrenica Memorial Center in preserving historical records, promoting public education, and helping younger generations understand history. Through survivor testimonies, visual exhibitions, and international dialogue, the commemoration reaffirmed that memory belongs not only to the past but also serves as a vital safeguard against future atrocities.
The commemorative event concluded in a solemn atmosphere. Participants reaffirmed that the world must never forget Srebrenica, Rwanda, or any other place where mass atrocities have occurred. By honoring the victims and standing in solidarity with survivors and their families, the United Nations and the international community renewed their commitment to defending human dignity, upholding justice, preserving the truth, and taking action whenever warning signs of atrocities emerge to ensure that the promise of "Never Again" does not fail once more.
María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés 女士在国际和平研究所就任第73届联合国大会主席前的发言
تصريحات السيدة ماريا فرناندا إسبينوسا غارسيس في معهد السلام الدولي قبل توليها منصب رئيسة الدورة الثالثة والسبعين للجمعية العامة للأمم المتحدة
Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés’ remarks before taking office as 73rd UNGA President At IPI
Déclaration de Mme María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés avant sa prise de fonctions en tant que Présidente de la 73e session de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies à l’IPI
Выступление г-жи Марии Фернанды Эспиносы Гарсес в IPI перед вступлением в должность Председателя 73-й сессии Генеральной Ассамблеи ООН
Declaraciones de la Sra. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés antes de asumir el cargo de Presidenta del 73.º período de sesiones de la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas en el IPI
▶
Celebrity Media Revisits Rare Footage: María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, from President of the 73rd UN General Assembly to UN Secretary-General Candidate
As Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés joins the selection process for the next United Nations Secretary-General, Celebrity Media is revisiting and releasing a valuable piece of historical video footage. The video was filmed by a Celebrity Media reporter in September 2018, just days before Ms. Espinosa Garcés officially assumed office as President of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, from Ecuador, previously served as Ecuador’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of National Defense. From 2018 to 2019, she served as President of the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly. As one of the few women in UN history to hold this important position, she has long focused on multilateralism, sustainable development, gender equality, climate change, and international cooperation.
This video footage preserved by Celebrity Media not only captures an important historical moment before she stepped into the role of UN General Assembly President, but also offers a unique perspective for today’s audiences to revisit her record of international public service. In the footage, Ms. Espinosa Garcés demonstrates a strong commitment to the mission of the United Nations, reflecting her long-standing experience and vision in global governance.
In 2026, Ms. Espinosa Garcés was nominated as a candidate for the next United Nations Secretary-General, officially entering the latest selection process for the UN’s highest leadership position. Her candidacy has once again drawn attention to women’s leadership, Latin America’s role in global governance, and the future direction of UN reform and multilateral cooperation.
Celebrity Media stated that, as a media platform long committed to covering United Nations affairs, international figures, and global issues, preserving and presenting this 2018 footage carries special historical significance. It is not only a news record, but also a link connecting Ms. Espinosa Garcés’ public service journey from President of the UN General Assembly to candidate for UN Secretary-General.
As the UN Secretary-General selection process continues, Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés’ diplomatic experience, global vision, and reform agenda are expected to remain the focus of international attention. Celebrity Media will continue to follow related developments and document key figures and defining moments on the global governance stage.
In preparation for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, a special Chinese cross-church and interdenominational prayer gathering will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Harvest Church of New York. With the theme “Watchmen for America, Crying Out for Revival,” the event invites Chinese friends from different churches, denominations, and community backgrounds to gather together on this meaningful Independence Day to pray, watch, and reflect, offering blessings for America’s future while responding to the responsibility and mission of the Chinese community in this land.
The 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is not only a historic moment of commemoration, but also an important opportunity to reflect again on the nation’s foundations, faith values, and civic responsibility. Since the founding of the nation, America’s faith tradition has deeply influenced its public life, understanding of liberty, and national identity. Expressions such as “In God We Trust” and “one nation under God” have long reminded people that the strength of a nation lies not only in its economy, military, or institutions, but also in whether it fears God, respects life, upholds the family, cherishes freedom, and assumes responsibility for the next generation.
The historic moment of America’s 250th anniversary also provides the Chinese community in the United States with an opportunity to rethink its own role. Many Chinese families have put down roots in America; their children are growing up here, their careers are developing here, and their education, faith, family, and community life are closely connected to this land. Therefore, commemorating Independence Day should not merely be about celebrating a holiday, but should also be a shared reflection on gratitude, responsibility, and contribution.
In recent years, President Trump has also repeatedly emphasized the importance of America’s faith tradition in public settings, calling on America, as it moves toward the next 250 years, to recommit itself to being “one nation under God.” This expression of faith also echoes the theme of this special prayer gathering: when the nation faces challenges, churches and believers are not merely bystanders, but should become watchmen, intercessors, and builders.
Pastor Xiao Mudao of Harvest Church of New York, the host church, stated that America’s future is closely connected to everyone who lives here. Today, American society is facing many challenges, including social division, moral confusion, pressure on families, difficulties in youth development, and tensions in community relationships. In the face of these realities, the Chinese community should not merely observe, complain, or remain silent, but should seriously ask: What can we do for this country? What kind of social environment do we hope to leave for the next generation? And how are we willing to participate in building America’s shared future?
Player loading...
Pastor Gu Qiwei, chairman of the New York Chinese Pastors Fellowship and organizer of this special prayer gathering, emphasized that a mature community should not only care about its own interests, but should also be willing to take responsibility for the well-being of the country in which it lives. Chinese Christians can begin by caring for their communities, participating in public life, supporting families and the next generation, and promoting understanding among different ethnic groups, responding to the needs of the times through practical action. Prayer is not merely a religious ritual; it is also a form of commitment to the nation, the community, and the next generation.
Rev. Chen Zhi, General Director of Chinese Christian Herald Crusades and co-organizer of the special prayer gathering, also emphasized the need to pray for New York. It is reported that more than 20 pastors will participate that day, praying together for America’s future, social harmony, family restoration, youth development, church revival, and understanding and unity among different ethnic groups. The organizers hope that through this cross-church and interdenominational gathering, the faith strength of the Chinese community will be brought together, encouraging more people to view the opportunities America has given immigrant families with gratitude and to participate in community building with a responsible attitude.
At this important moment as America marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, this prayer gathering is not only a commemorative event, but also a call. It reminds the Chinese community that we are not only beneficiaries of this land, but can also become a blessing to it; we not only live here, but should also contribute our part to its future.
This special Chinese cross-church and interdenominational prayer gathering, “America’s 250th Anniversary: Gratitude, Responsibility, and Contribution,” warmly invites Chinese friends who care about America’s future, families and the next generation, and community harmony to participate, joining together as watchmen for America and crying out for revival.
The concert began at 6:45 p.m. at the church, located at 413 East 79th Street in Manhattan. The performance was conducted by Guillermo Vaisman, the ensemble’s Argentina-born music director and choir conductor. New York-based Chinese pianist Ming Jin served as accompanist. Carlo Zenarosa was the assistant conductor, Erica Gaston served as section leader, and Florencia de Castro appeared as soloist.
Other selections included the Cuban piece “Son de Camagüey,” the American folk song “Shenandoah,” the Peruvian song “Estrellita del Sur,” and the Italian works “Non Potho Reposare” and “Appunti Andalusi.” The choir also performed “Sing Me to Heaven” by American composer Daniel Gawthrop and “My Soul Is a River” by Ben Allaway.
Music Director Guillermo Vaisman, originally from Entre Ríos, Argentina, is a New York-based arranger, accordionist, and founder of several musical ensembles. He studied at the Julián Aguirre and Juan José Castro conservatories and at the Universidad Argentina in Buenos Aires, later conducting at some of Argentina’s most prestigious venues, including Teatro Colón.
Mr.Maher Nasser（middle） is the Director of the Outreach Division in the United Nations Department of Global Communications
Mr.Hans Grohmann,Senior Protocol Officer
