High Note Global
Initiative
The High Note Global Initiative is a first-of-its-kind global platform where culture and human rights converge — built on a singular belief: that music and film do not merely reflect the world, they have the power to change it.
Developed in partnership with United Nations Human Rights, the initiative brings together iconic artists, filmmakers, world leaders, and global institutions to advance a shared moral imperative: to place culture at the center of the human rights agenda.
From the fight against racism and gender-based violence to the defense of education, environmental justice, and the rights of displaced people, artists and filmmakers have long served as the conscience of society. The High Note Global Initiative exists to elevate that role — transforming cultural influence into global recognition, institutional alignment, and real-world impact.
At its core is the High Note Global Prize — awarded to an iconic artist whose body of work has advanced human rights and social justice, not as a moment, but as a sustained force that has shaped culture and inspired action at scale.
In 2026, the initiative expanded to include film — recognizing cinema as one of the most powerful storytelling mediums of our time, capable of crossing borders, shifting perspective, and mobilizing global audiences. The first High Note Global Film activation will launch in 2027, marking the next chapter in building a unified cultural platform for human rights.
2025 High Note
Music Prize
Aryana Sayeed was awarded the 2025 High Note Music Prize for We Believe in Hope — a powerful anthem of resistance, unity, and human dignity. Created with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, with music by Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal and lyrics by Joan Beal, the song draws inspiration from Afghanistan’s first all-female robotics team — a symbol of courage in the face of systemic oppression.
Presented in alignment with the inaugural United Nations International Day of Hope, the award recognizes Sayeed’s ability to transform music into a global call for justice — amplifying the voices of women and girls denied education, freedom, and visibility.
PREVIOUS High Note Music Prize Recipient
John Legend
Renowned for his artistry and activism, platinum-selling singer-songwriter John Legend has earned ten GRAMMY Awards, an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and a Golden Globe. Now, he receives the esteemed High Note Global Prize in recognition of his lifelong commitment to social justice.
Most recently, Legend launched FREE AMERICA, an initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of those affected by the criminal justice system and advocating for meaningful reform. Through this work, he strives to challenge stereotypes, dismantle systemic barriers, and bring an end to the era of mass incarceration.
PREVIOUS High Note Music Prize Recipient
CYNDI LAUPER
In recognition of her advocacy for LGBTQ rights throughout her career, Cyndi Lauper has been named a High Note Global Prize recipient. A life-long advocate for the LGBTQ community, Cyndi Lauper co-founded True Colors United, a nonprofit organization working to prevent and end LGBTQ youth homelessness around the globe.
