Concert against child labour
Concert celebrates 25th Anniversary of the Child Labour Convention No. 182 with uplifting musical performance
The concert was part of the "Music vs the Street" initiative, a project supporting vulnerable children through music and education.
18 October 2024
GENEVA (ILO News) - In a celebration of both music and advocacy, the ILO Headquarters in Geneva welcomed the Children’s Symphony Orchestra from Sliven, Bulgaria, for a special concert on September 26, 2024.
The event, titled "Music Against Child Labour," was jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of Bulgaria and the Alliance 8.7, in cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO), to mark the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No. 182).
The concert was part of the "Music vs the Street" project, an initiative launched in 2008 by Bulgarian violinist Georgi Kalaidjiev. The project provides music education and essential support to vulnerable children, including former street children and those from disadvantaged backgrounds in the town of Sliven. Its impact has been profound, offering not only musical training but also education, food, and medical care to children aged 4 to 18 years old.
The event opened with speeches from high-level representatives, including Ambassador Yuri Sterk, Permanent Representative of Bulgaria, and Ambassador Julio Fuentes, Chairperson of Alliance 8.7. Georgi Kalaidjiev gave a brief presentation on the history and achievements of the "Music vs the Street" initiative before the orchestra delivered an inspiring 40-minute performance.
Following the concert, attendees gathered for a reception at Les Morillons, where discussions highlighted the ongoing global efforts to eliminate child labour and how initiatives like "Music vs the Street" can offer a brighter future for at-risk youth.
As part of the ILO’s “Music Against Child Labour” Initiative (MACLI), the concert reinforced the importance of creative solutions in the fight against child labour. Launched by the ILO in 2013, MACLI calls on musicians worldwide to dedicate concerts or songs to the struggle against child labour. The initiative aims to raise awareness about child labour and empower children through music education, encouraging them to attend and stay in school. MACLI aims to empower children, including those formerly in child labour, by providing them with music education that builds their skills and encourages them to pursue their education. This concert underscored the powerful role of music in advocating for social justice and supporting vulnerable children globally.
"Music against Child Labour" Initiative (MACLI)
Topic portal
Child Labour