ROME, ITALY (We Are the
Future Website) - Some of the world's best-recognized artists and personalities took the stage at Rome's historic Circus
Maximus yesterday to launch music legend
Quincy Jones' global, humanitarian effort, "We Are the Future." In the tradition of "We Are the World," this concert marked the launch of a worldwide initiative aspiring to create a sustainable chain of support for children in war-ravaged cities. The star-studded event was globally tele- and web-cast to draw the eyes of the world to the alarming increase in mortality rates among children in war-torn countries.
Performers were Carlos Santana, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Andrea Bocelli, Angelique Kidjo, Soundz of South Africa, Carmen Consoli, Cirque Du Soleil, Herbie Hancock, Patti Austin, Take 6, Josh Groban, Juanes, Karina, Fher (of Man' Kazem Al Sahir, Khaled, Noa, Rifat Salamat Ali Kahn, Simon Shaheen, the cast of Stomp, and Zucchero, among others.
Presenters were Oprah Winfrey, Chris Tucker, Angelina Jolie, Francesco Totti, Quincy Jones, Naomi Campbell, and Serena Williams, among others.
"We are honored by the great turnout today. It warms my heart that so many people have donated extraordinary amounts of time and energy to take responsibility for caring for the children of the world," said Quincy Jones, executive producer of the concert, speaking for "We Are the Future." "We can no longer afford to turn the other cheek as our children, our future, slip through the cracks. This day is a global outcry for all the children in need in war-torn countries."
In the last decade alone, 2 million children were killed, 6 million injured and 12 million left homeless as the result of regional conflicts. In developing countries that are in conflict or post-conflict situations, 30,000 children under the age of five die every day, many from easily preventable causes.
Entrance to the concert was free, but proceeds from the broadcast and related merchandise sales were benefit "We Are the Future" programs, including child centers in six cities worldwide. The first center opened April 8, 2004 in Kigali, Rwanda. Other centers will open later this year in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Asmara, Eritrea; Freetown, Sierra Leone; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Nablus on the West Bank.
"Quincy Jones is sounding a powerful alarm call, engaging the world in an unprecedented program changing the fate of suffering children," says Uri Savir, President and CEO of The Glocal Forum.
James Wolfesohn, president of the World Bank, said, "If we act now with realism and foresight, if we show courage, if we think globally and allocate our resources accordingly, we can give our children a more peaceful and equitable world. One where suffering will be reduced. Where children everywhere will have a sense of hope. This is not just a dream. It is our responsibility."
The concert would not have been possible without the support and hospitality of the City of Rome, led by Mayor Walter Veltroni, who said, "The City of Rome was honored to be a partner of this extraordinary project. The citizens of Rome have always been in the first row when it comes to fighting poverty and injustice around the world."
