International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; fostering gender equality; and promoting freedom of expression.
International Jazz Day is the culmination of Jazz Appreciation Month, which draws public attention to jazz and its extraordinary heritage throughout April. In December 2012, the United Nations General Assembly formally welcomed the decision by the UNESCO General Conference to proclaim April 30 as International Jazz Day. The United Nations and UNESCO now both recognize International Jazz Day on their official calendars.
The 2025 edition of #internationaljazzday will be celebrated in more than 190 countries on April 30. @unesco Director-General @audrey.azoulay and #unesco Goodwill Ambassador #herbiehancock announced that the city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates will serve as the Global Host and will anchor the International Jazz Day programs around the world.
Presented in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the celebration will be anchored around the tapestry of Arab and Emirati cultural heritage. Classical instruments like Oud, Qanoon and Ney will introduce global audiences to ‘Arabic Jazz’. As the 2025 Global Host City, Abu Dhabi, the UNESCO Creative City of Music, will showcase the interplay of local musical traditions and jazz dating back decades.
