Renowned opera singers Renée Fleming and Pretty Yende have been named as Goodwill Ambassadors for Arts and Health by the World Health Organization (WHO), coinciding with the WHO 75th-anniversary celebration during the Seventy-sixth World Health Assembly.
Inauguration of the Roles
To inaugurate their roles, Fleming and Yende initiated their duties with a special concert called Healing Arts, dedicated to the 75th anniversary of WHO in Geneva, Switzerland.
Roles and Responsibilities
As Goodwill Ambassadors, these two extraordinary artists will promote artistic expression in enhancing mental, physical, and social welfare globally. They will also advocate for the integration of arts into healthcare systems and support accessibility to creative arts therapies.
Pretty Yende’s Appointment
South African soprano Pretty Yende, a graduate of the UCT Opera School, is passionate about sharing the restorative aspects of music and is committed to social causes, a perfect alignment with the organization’s Arts and Health agenda. WHO’s announcement highlighted her musical prowess and dedication to utilizing it for the betterment of society.
Yende expressed her excitement and gratitude for her appointment, sharing her vision for creating a foundation for ongoing exploration into the arts as a vital component of enhancing well-being in all areas of life.
The Significance of the Arts
The addition of Renée Fleming and Pretty Yende as Goodwill Ambassadors for Arts and Health highlights the increasing recognition of the arts as a transformative force in global health and well-being. Through their advocacy, they will help foster the integration of the arts into healthcare systems and expand access to creative arts therapies for people across the world.
Impact on the Global Community
As artists and influencers in their field, Fleming and Yende are poised to make a significant impact on the world’s understanding of the intersection between the arts and health. By championing these issues, they will contribute to raising awareness and inspiring change that could ultimately lead to a healthier, more connected global community.
