On 9 July 2024 in Rome, at the historic Palazzo Falletti in Via Panisperna, at the headquarters of the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE), the agreement was signed that made "Pace, Shalom, and Salam" the official anthem of the university. The agreement was signed by me, Salvatore Grasso, author of the lyrics and melody, and Francisco Rojas Aravena1, Rector of UPEACE.

The link between music, song, and peace is deep and complex, with roots that go back to the history of humanity. Music and singing are universal languages that transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, facilitating the union between people of different origins and promoting dialogue and mutual understanding. It is also known that certain songs can reduce stress, bringing inner serenity.

These reflections inspired this article, aimed at illustrating the link between the adopted anthem and the university. Below is some information about the first performance of the anthem in 2001, its lyrics, meaning, and symbolism.

The first performance of the anthem

The echo of the attack of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center in New York had not yet died down, when in Catania, as president of the association "Aisi Sicilia – Mediterranean for Peace"2, with the collaboration of Moshe Lerner3, head of international relations of the association, and Roberto Savio4,

Secretary General of the SID5, organized an international conference on Abrahamic religions. From November 29 to December 1, the event hosted important political, social and religious figures from 16 countries, including Catholics, Jews and Muslims (Shiites, Sunnis and Sufis).

The conference, held under the High Patronage of the European Parliament and other important bodies, took place in an international context marked by high tensions, especially between Jews and Muslims. During the event, crucial themes were addressed, divided into three sections: "Peace and the promotion of peoples: between the spirit of God and daily reality," "Economic and social activity: an instrument of salvation between profit and sustainable development," and "The condition of women: religious tradition, family, and society."

On the final evening, at the "Massimo Bellini" Opera House, during the presentation of three peace prizes awarded to an Italian Catholic, an Israeli Jew, and a Palestinian Muslim, the anthem was performed by a tenor accompanied by a string orchestra. The emotion aroused by the anthem was palpable and represented a strong sign of the event. After that occasion, however, I decided to put the anthem on stand-by, waiting for the right moment to bring it back to light.

The lyrics and meaning of the anthem

The "awakening" of the anthem took place thanks to Roberto Savio, who, remembering the success of the anthem in 2001, recently asked me to send him the lyrics and the melody. This request led to the signing of the agreement with UPEACE.

The title of the hymn, "Peace, Shalom, and Salam," is composed of the words "peace" in Italian (representing the Romance languages), "shalom" in Hebrew, and "salam" in Arabic, highlighting the spiritual and cultural affinities between people who recognize themselves as children of the same God.

The text, reported below, is an appeal for universal peace, addressed not only to the peoples of the Mediterranean, but to all those who believe in the Supreme Being, regardless of what he is called6.

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The symbolism of the "wings of peace"

The "Mare Nostrum," a symbol of millenary civilizations, has been chosen as a geographical and cultural reference, hoping that it can become an element of union between the peoples who surround it. The anthem refers to a geographical area where peoples of Abrahamic descent have been living for years in a context of conflict, in the hope that mutual knowledge and brotherhood can lead to peace.

An area was therefore chosen as a symbolic reference where it seems that peace is possible and not a utopia, if there is a greater mutual knowledge and sense of fraternity between the peoples.

Another symbolic image is that of the "wings of peace," which represent freedom. The wings of the dove, a symbol of peace, evoke a world free of conflict. The dove itself is often depicted with an olive branch in its beak, recalling the biblical story in which it brings to Noah the sign of the end of the flood and the return of peace to the Earth7.

The anthem also emphasizes that the differences that exist between populations, such as language, customs and skin color, are only superficial. The true bond between peoples is found in ancient traditions and in the common way of praying, which spiritually unites people of different faiths.

The symbol of the wounded pelican

Another strong symbol of the hymn is the "wounded pelican that still bears a sign of peace". The pelican, therefore, becomes the bearer of a sign of peace between peoples who are still at war today, inviting them to exalt the positive values that unite them and to ward off what are defined as the evils of humanity. The pelican sometimes has a small bright red spot on the tip of its beak. It is precisely because of this stain that the legend of the pelican arose who, short of food, usually wounds his chest with his beak to feed his young with the blood that flows from it and whose beak is stained8.

The pelican is, therefore, a symbol rich in meanings especially in the Christian tradition, where it is often represented with open and wounded wings while feeding its young with its own blood. A symbol that represents Christ, who sacrificed himself on the cross to feed his children by giving his life for theirs. It is the symbol of generosity and philanthropy that spreads its message of fraternity among men, so that it may be a stimulus to mutual love. It represents love that is given in a unilateral sense: giving without knowing that they are being reciprocated.

In the Christian sense, therefore, it represents the love without which the most cultured and powerful of human beings, according to St. Paul, would be like a ringing bell or a tinkling cymbal9.

By this he means that without love (charity) even the most extraordinary deeds and the most impressive gifts are empty and worthless, similar to the sound of a tinkling cymbal, which therefore represents only noise without any musical harmony.

In Islamic tradition, the pelican is considered a sacred bird for having transported water to the builders of the Ka'ba10, when in a period of drought they had to interrupt the work and flocks of pelicans would have transported in their natural bags the water necessary to allow the completion of the important sacred construction.

In our anthem, the wounded pelican bears a sign of peace, symbolizing the sacrifice necessary to achieve serenity and brotherhood among peoples.

The United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE)

Roberto Savio, as an excellent Italian-Argentine political economic journalist, activist for social and climate justice and supporter of global governance, as a man who has dedicated a good part of his life to the defense of human rights by working for decades also with important structures of the United Nations, in the light of his memories and in the rereading of the anthem, glimpsed the clear possibility that it could become of interest to the United Nations University for Peace, based in Costa Rica, of which he is a close collaborator. Therefore, on the strength of his knowledge of the political, economic and social aspects of different countries, he proposed to the Rector of the University to evaluate whether the anthem had the requisites to be able to become the official anthem of the University, in harmony with the reasons that had determined its birth.

UPEACE was established by the United Nations General Assembly, with resolution 35/55 of 5 December 1980, with the mission of "Providing the humanity of an international institution of higher education for Peace with the aim of promoting among all human beings the spirit of understanding, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, to stimulate cooperation among peoples and to help reduce obstacles and threats to peace and progress in the in line with the noble aspirations proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations". It is the only institution within the United Nations system dedicated exclusively to education for peace.

The main campus of the university is located in San José, Costa Rica, in homage to the country that for many years had abolished the army by allocating the funds saved to education and health. Other secondary offices, coordinated with the headquarters, have been established in various countries.

Currently, Costa Rica's headquarters has 124 students from 37 different countries, making it one of the most diverse universities in the world for its size. The curricula integrate different disciplines to address the root causes of conflict and promote peace and sustainable development, and include:

  • Master's programs (Peace and Conflict Resolution, Human Rights and Peace Education, International Law and Human Rights, Environment, Development and Peace, Mediation and Negotiation);
  • Doctoral programs (PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies);
  • Distance Education (online courses and certificates in various areas related to peace and sustainable development);
  • Certificate Programs (Professional Certificates in areas such as positive leadership, effective negotiation, and project evaluation)

These programs are designed to provide students with the skills necessary to address global challenges and promote peace and sustainable development and are with validity and effectiveness extended to all UN Member States.

It also operates with courses around the world in an online version and issuance of the relevant certificates that are accessible to anyone interested in topics related to peace and sustainable development, with courses designed to be flexible and adaptable to the needs of those who work or have other commitments.

A further note of merit of UPEACE is its highly qualified Council, the governing body of the university, composed of prestigious members11, ten of whom are appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations in consultation with the Director General of UNESCO, and six are ex officio members: the Rector of the United Nations University, the Rector of the United Nations University for Peace, two members appointed by the Government of Costa Rica, the host country, a representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, a representative of the Director-General of UNESCO.

The anthem logo

During the first performance of the anthem in 2001, a logo was created, combined with the anthem itself, representative of the three Abrahamic religions, with the symbols of the three faiths linked by a "chain of union" that symbolizes human solidarity, as a symbolic reference to be extended to all religions having the Superior Being as a reference.

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The three flags contain the symbols of the three Abrahamic religions with the inscription "Peace": in Hebrew (shalom), in Latin (pax), and in Arabic (salam), drawn in the order of their birth.

The three religious insignia symbolically represent human solidarity and also symbolize the strength, tenacity, and pride through which freedom soars towards the goals of wisdom, love, and universal justice.

The official agreement with UPEACE

Thanks to Savio's intuition, the anthem was officially adopted by UPEACE. On the occasion of the signing of the agreement on 9 July, the anthem was performed in a provisional orchestral version of which the musician Roberto Liso12 created the harmonization of the instrumentation for symphony orchestra, choir, and female solo voice. On the same day, it was announced that the anthem, in its final form, will be performed, conducted by Roberto Liso, on the occasion of the twenty-fifth ordinary universal jubilee in the history of the Catholic Church, as part of an important concert to be held in the Basilica of the Holy Twelve Apostles in Rome on September 20, 2025, the eve of the UN International Day for Human Rights.

Inauguration of the UPEACE hall named after Nelson Mandela.

Rector Francisco Rojas Aravena inaugurated the "Nelson Mandela" hall of the university on 18 July, the anniversary of the birth of the symbol of anti-apartheid, with the performance of the anthem. They were moments of real emotion for the participants, who thus sanctioned their actual appreciation.

Rereading the text of the anthem, it is not difficult to recall the words of Margherita Hack, with whom she emphasized the importance of peace, tolerance, and respect for differences: "Let us try to live in peace, whatever our origin, our faith, the color of our skin, our language, and our traditions. We learn to tolerate and appreciate differences. We strongly reject all forms of violence, of oppression, the worst of which is war."

These noble goals, which are part of the hymn "Peace, Shalom, and Salam," are fully included in UPEACE's programs.

Final thoughts

The adoption of the anthem "Peace, Shalom, and Salam" by UPEACE is an example of how music can contribute to the promotion of peace. Songs of peace, often used in contexts of celebration and reconciliation, strengthening the sense of community and solidarity, represent concrete examples of how music can bring people together and promote peace.

Music can be a powerful tool to help resolve conflicts in a variety of ways, such as:

  • The promotion of dialogue and understanding, with the creation of a neutral space where people can meet and communicate;
  • Allowing people to express their emotions in a non-violent way;
  • Educating and raising awareness on peace, justice, and human rights issues with messages of peace that can inspire positive change and promote reconciliation;
  • Strengthening the sense of community and belonging, since, music and singing can unite people of different origins, creating bonds that overcome divisions and promote social cohesion.

In summary, music and singing can be effective means of helping to resolve conflicts, promoting dialogue, reducing stress, expressing emotions, educating, and creating community.

The adoption of the anthem "Peace, Shalom, and Salam" by UPEACE is likely not the result of a simple chance, but of a futuristic vision of Savio. In fact, having dedicated his entire life to peace and respect for human rights, he considered that the adoption of the anthem and the new consequent relations that have been created and will certainly continue to be created are in harmony with the university's peace programs.

Maybe we are dreamers, but, as Nelson Mandela said: "Peace is a dream, it can come true... But to build it you have to be able to dream".

Notes

1 Francisco Rojas Aravena, Rector of the University for Peace (UPEACE) has a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Utrecht (Netherlands) and an MS from FLACSO (Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales), an international organization that emerged in 1956 at the UNESCO General Conference. He has extensive experience on international relations, human security, Latin American political systems and international negotiations and defense. He has held significant roles as secretary general of FLACSO and director of FLACSO Chile. He has teaching commitments in important universities and academies. He serves on the editorial board of various academic journals and has received accolades such as the Malinalli Prize and accolades from Costa Rica, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic for his integration efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, he is the author of numerous books and has advised international agencies and regional governments.
2 The AISI_SICILIA (Italian Association for International Development - Sicily), was the Italian section of the SID (Society for International Development), a non-governmental and non-partisan and non-profit organization, with main objectives: growth and development, especially of Third World countries, and the facilitation of correct North-South relations between industrialized and emerging countries.
3 Moshe Lerner, was born in Haifa in 1926 to Jewish parents from Galicia, which had already become part of Poland and today Chechnya, from an Ashkenazi Jewish family. His father was an electrical engineer and in 1925 he was directing works in the Middle East. Following the well-known persecution that Jews were beginning to suffer in Europe, well aware of the danger for his family, in 1926 he moved with his wife to Palestine, well before the birth of the State of Israel, where other relatives of his were already present. The Lerner family then moved to Syrian Aleppo where they remained until the birth of the State of Israel. Moshé then moved to Lebanon, where he married and where his son Gad was born, and then moved to Milan in 1956 from where he took care of relations between some Italian companies and institutions and Israel and where he died on December 23, 2013.
4 Roberto Savio, born in Rome, but of Argentine nationality, is a journalist, political commentator, activist for social and climate justice and a great supporter of global governance. He has worked closely in the field of information and communication with many UN organizations, dealing with problems related to the environment, science, culture, information and research, childhood, etc. In 1964, together with the Argentine journalist Pablo Piacentini, he founded Inter Press Service (IPS), which he chaired for many years and of which he is now Chairman Emeritus and Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 2008 he launched the online service "Other News" which publishes reports that have already appeared in niche media, but not in mass media, with analyses on international issues, in particular the issues of global governance and multilateralism. He has been awarded various awards and honors including in 2013 the Hiroshima Peace Award, established by the Soka Gakkai, a secular Buddhist organization based in Tokyo, for his "contribution to building a century of peace by 'giving voice to the voiceless' through the Inter Press Service for almost five decades".
5 The SID is an association promoted by the United Nations, founded in Washington in 1957 to study, at an international level, the problems of social, cultural, agricultural, industrial and economic-financial development and to contribute to solving them. The headquarters and secretariat of the SID were moved to Rome in 1977, under the auspices of the Italian Government.
6 God is known by different names in different religions. Below are the main religions, among the oldest, in chronological order.
- Hinduism: It is one of the oldest religions, with origins dating back over 10,000 years. There are many names for God, including Brahman (the Absolute), Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi (the Goddess). - Judaism: founded about 4,000 years ago, it is the first major monotheistic religion, the main names include YHWH (Yahweh or Jehovah), Elohim, and Adonai (my Lord). - Buddhism: founded about 2,500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha; even though Buddhism does not have a concept of God as creator, there are divine figures such as Buddha and Bodhisattvas. - Christianity: founded about 2,200 years ago by Jesus Christ; God is often called Father, Creator, Lord, and in the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. - Islam: founded about 1,400 years ago by the Prophet Muhammad; God is called Allah, which means "the God" in Arabic.
7 Genesis (8:11) - In verse 11 it is remembered when Noah sent the dove to see if the waters had receded "and the dove returned to him at nightfall; behold, it had an olive branch in its beak. Noah understood that the waters had withdrawn from the earth."
8 The stain in reality, beyond the legend, is often due to the blood of its prey, mainly fish, which accumulates while it captures them and transports them in its membranous sac.
9 The phrase "tinkling cymbal" comes from the Bible, specifically from 1 Corinthians 13:1. In this context, the apostle Paul says, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have charity, I am like a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal."
10 Ka'ba, in Arabic means dice and indicates a small sacred stone building, parallelepiped in shape, which stands in the courtyard of the Great Mosque of Mecca and represents the holiest building in Islam. During the annual pilgrimage, millions of Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca to perform various rituals, including circling the Ka'ba seven times counterclockwise.
11 Members of the current UPEACE Council: Antonio Guterres Secretary-General of the United Nations, Fatima Akilu Executive Director of the Neem Foundation, Enrico Barone Crespo Former President. European Parliament, Fernando Blasco Former Director of the Executive Office of UNSG, Irina Bokova Former Director-General of UNESCO, Ouided Bouchamaoui Former President of UTICA, Meenakshi Gopinath Founder-Director, of WISCOMP, Hal Klepak Professor, Royal Military College of Canada, Tshilidzi Marwala Rector, United Nations University, Gabriela Ramos Deputy Director-General of UNESCO, Francisco Rojas Aravena Rector of the University for Peace, Arnoldo André Tinoco Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas Former Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, Signe Ziekate First Lady of Costa Rica, Xiaoyu Zhang Executive Vice President of CICPMC.
12 Roberto Liso is a Roman musician known for his commitment to the field of choral and symphonic music. His musical activity is characterized by a strong solidarity imprint, with concerts organized for social purposes mainly in churches and in places of suffering such as hospitals, residences for the elderly and prisons. He is the director of the Polyphonic Liturgical Choir "S. Giuseppe all'Aurelio" in Rome, also known as MUSIPAX.