Strasbourg, June 21, 2023 – In honor of World Refugee Day, Moldovan soprano and UNHCR high-profile supporter Valentina Nafornița was invited by the Council of Europe to deliver a keynote address and a captivating performance. This event was part of the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary celebrations and Refugee Week 2024, which included various events organized by the City of Strasbourg and the Association Foyer Notre-Dame.
Having become a high-profile UNHCR supporter last year, Nafornița emphasized the crucial role of solidarity in supporting refugees. “Solidarity is the cornerstone of our mission,” Nafornița declared. “When nations, communities, and individuals come together, we create a powerful force for good. Solidarity means standing with those in need, not just in words but in deeds. It means providing shelter, education, and economic opportunities for a better future. It means listening to the stories of those who have lost everything and giving them a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on.”
World Refugee Day was commemorated in Strasbourg as part of the Council of Europe’s 75th anniversary celebrations. Nafornița’s participation highlighted the importance of compassion towards refugees and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
On June 20, UNHCR Representatives to the European Institutions in Strasbourg organized a concert featuring Valentina Nafornița, in addition to a lecture by musicologist Camille Lienhard. The musical recital, themed around “Exile,” included performances by internationally renowned artists: Franco-Romanian soprano Andreea Soare, French mezzo-soprano Anaïs Yvoz, and French pianist Vérène Rimlinger.
For her performance, Nafornița chose a piece by Romanian composer George Enescu, bringing emotional depth to the event and underscoring the universal themes of displacement and hope.
As the first public figure in the Republic of Moldova to receive the title of UNHCR high-profile supporter, Nafornița is dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of refugees and mobilizing humanitarian support. Her work with UNHCR aims to inspire and assist those in need, ensuring that their voices are heard and their stories are shared.
For more information about Valentina Nafornița’s work with UNHCR, please visit: Valentina Nafornița – UNHCR.
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