PARIS — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture signed on Wednesday an agreement with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation (ABF) in Paris, bringing the “Voices of the World” program to the Middle East.

The program aims at providing psychosocial support for disadvantaged children and youths through the establishment of choirs or regional music bands and other educational activities.

The ministry seeks through this agreement with ABF to empower participants and their communities through strengthening their musical skills, stimulating innovation, and promoting cooperation with them in line with the United Nations Development Program’s objective of “Quality Education” that was highlighted in its number four Sustainable Development Goal of the 2030 Agenda.

Dr. Abdel Rab Idris, head of the Saudi National Music Band, an offshoot of the Ministry of Culture, said: “We are delighted to being part of “Voices of the World” program to support music education in the Mideast region.

“Within the next few years, we look forward to contributing to the sustainable development of our Arab region through the “Voices of the World” program.

This program will be implemented throughout the coming years in the Middle East and will reflect the journey of communities and students participating in the preliminary version of the project’s initial activities.

“The program also aims at supporting students for developing their talents and enhancing their capabilities to form chorus, developing their leadership skills and contribute to empowering their communities.”

Maestro Andrea Bocelli, the founder of ABF, said: “Since 2011, the Andrea Bocelli Foundation has worked tirelessly to empower people and communities in harsh conditions to help them overcome difficulties and enable them to demonstrate their full potential,” he said.

He added that with “Voices of the World,” the positive psychosocial effects of music education would provide invaluable opportunities for disadvantaged youth currently living in turmoil in some parts of the Middle East.

Chairman of ABF Stefano Aversa said: “Through this agreement with Saudi Arabia, ABF will be able to devise projects across the Middle East, which in turn will allow the youth living in areas of conflict to be empowered at a global level through ‘music’.”