UN SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON AND LINKIN PARK TEAM UP FOR HAITI RELIEF
(Salt Lake Tribune) - By David Burger
The United Nations Foundation on Wednesday hosted a Facebook Town Hall to keep the public engaged in rebuilding Haiti after last year’s earthquake, and giving participants unique access to experts and high-profile speakers from the United Nations, Linkin Park (performing in Utah on Friday), and the United States government. The Town Hall was the first time UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has spoken alongside members of a band to educate and raise awareness about efforts to rebuild Haiti.
Attendees watched live and asked questions as representatives from the United Nations, members of Linkin Park, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the UN Foundation spoke about the latest developments in Haiti and ways for individuals to continue helping the Haitian people one year after the devastating earthquake.
During the event, fans were able to log on to the UN Foundation’s Facebook pageto participate in the live-streamed Town Hall through a live chat feature. Participants were encouraged to Download to Donate as part of Linkin Park’s charity, Music for Relief, where a one-time donation offers year-long access to a growing catalog of music from a variety of artists. Donations made to Download to Donate support the work of five organizations in Haiti: Artists for Peace and Justice, charity: water, Direct Relief International, Partners In Health, and the UN Foundation.
“As a band we have always focused on creating the music our fans are passionate about,” said Linkin Park's co-lead vocalist, Mike Shinoda, in a press release. “Now we are asking our fans to direct their passion to help others. That’s why we established Download to Donate, giving music lovers a way to access a unique lineup of songs while helping the rebuilding efforts in Haiti.”
After welcoming participants to the Facebook virtual Town Hall meeting, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met with members of Linkin Park and its official charity, Music For Relief, to recognize their significant contribution to relief efforts in Haiti and other countries affected by natural disasters. The organization was founded by Linkin Park following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Since then, Music For Relief has raised over $3.9 million for survivors of multiple disasters across four continents and initiated programs to help reduce global warming. During the meeting, Linkin Park and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon explored ways Music for Relief and the United Nations can continue to work together to mobilize the public on global issues.
Those who missed the event can view a recording of the discussion at www.livestream.com/unfoundationlive.
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