Nation's Official Celebration Of Multiculturalism And Diversity
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THE IFEST USA
17 MAY 2025
3:30PM-9:00PM
DISCOVERY GREEN®
ABOUT
The International Festival of the United States of America, known as iFest USA, stands as the premier celebration of multiculturalism and diversity. It proudly hosts the renowned Joe Sample Soundstage and leads the National Celebration of The United Nations World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development alongside UNESCO. This vibrant festival serves as a catalyst for learning and exchanging information in the spirit of peace, love, and friendship. Renowned for its global reach, iFEST USA stands as a pinnacle project promoting world geography, traditions, and cultures. Dedicated to nurturing understanding worldwide, it provides a dynamic platform to share cultural legacies among a diverse global audience. Set in Houston, Texas, one of the nation's most ethnically diverse regions, this festival annually unites thousands of local, national, and international enthusiasts. Through exceptional exhibits and performances, it showcases the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions represented by individuals from around the globe.
The International Festival celebrates UNESCO's mission to preserve humanity's essence through art, uniting influential leaders and diverse artistic performances in Houston. This event highlights the city's cultural richness, jazz music's resonance, and UNESCO's principles of cultural preservation. Aligned with UNESCO's Slave Route Project, themed 'Assume the past, understand the present, build the future together,' the celebration resonates through jazz—a universal language symbolizing freedom, born from the depths of history, including the struggle for liberty and dignity. Notable guests include UNESCO representatives, Grammy-winning icon Marcus Miller, UN Assistant Secretary-General Judy Cheng-Hopkins, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Sylvester Turner, and more, making this a vibrant convergence of cultures, music, and advocacy for global understanding.
UNESCO Joins Forces with iFest USA to Champion Cultural Diversity
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) joins forces with The International Festival USA to celebrate UNESCO's mission to preserve humanity's essence through art, uniting influential leaders and diverse artistic performances in Houston. This event highlights the city's cultural richness, jazz music's resonance, and UNESCO's principles of cultural preservation. Aligned with UNESCO's Slave Route Project, themed 'Assume the past, understand the present, build the future together,' the celebration resonates through jazz—a universal language symbolizing freedom, born from the depths of history, including the struggle for liberty and dignity. Notable guests include UNESCO representatives, Grammy-winning icon Marcus Miller, UN Assistant Secretary-General Judy Cheng-Hopkins, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Sylvester Turner, and more, making this a vibrant convergence of cultures, music, and advocacy for global understanding. Special Guests include: The Honorable Eliot Minchenberg, Director of Office/UNESCO Representative to the United Nations Headquarters, UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador and Artist of Peace, Multiple GRAMMY award winning icon Marcus Miller, The Honorable Judy Cheng-Hopkins, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Consul General Hirofumi Murabayashi of Japan, Mayor Sylvester Turner, City of Houston, Zion Escobar, Executive Director of Freedmen’s Town Conservancy, Herbie Hancock Institute/HSPVA Jazz Ensemble, and more.
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