Vacheron Constantin Celebrate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

It was on December 10th, 1948, that the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To commemorate this historic event, on Wednesday, December 10th, 2008, Vacheron Constantin – the world's oldest watchmaking manufacture without interruption since 1755, represented by CEO Juan-Carlos Torres – had the unique honour and privilege to organise for and at the Vatican an exceptional classical concert in the presence of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI.

Also in attendance were Mr. Giorgio Napolitano, President of the Italian Republic, Dr. Juan Somavia, Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, Mr. Jacques Diouf, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, and HRH The Grand Duke of Luxembourg.

On this occasion and after the concert, Mr. Cornelio Sommaruga, Swiss humanitarian, diplomat and President of the International Committee of the Red Cross from 1987 to 1999 was awarded the Cardinal Van Thuam Prize 2008 in acknowledgement of his outstanding contributions to justice and peace in the world.

The two events were held in the vast Aula Paulo VI of the Vatican. Close to 7,000 distinguished guests were in attendance.

Vacheron Constantin Celebrate the Human Rights

Adding to the historical significance of the event, it was the 1st time that a woman conducted a concert at the Vatican.

The young and talented conductor Inma Shara, proudly supported in her career by Vacheron Constantin since last year, conducted the Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester Frankfurt through the music of Mendelssohn, Mozart, Ponchielli and de Falla.

As a corporate citizen and, as the world's oldest watchmaker without interruption since 1755, the Vacheron Constantin name is an institution that is open to the world and respectful of social values.

Founded at the heart of Geneva over 250 years ago, Vacheron Constantin remains true to the city that has itself become a symbol of peace and integration, the cradle of the United Nations and home to over 200 major international organisations dedicated to the advancement of humanity.

In contributing to the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration Human Rights, Vacheron Constantin shows its commitment to a social ethic that has always been part of its heritage, always emphasising the human element that contributes both to the renewal and the preservation of a universal language.

Music is one such universal language and, much in the same way as the most beautiful and evocative classical compositions, Vacheron Constantin timekeepers weave and preserve the ties that bind people, that connect the present with the past and the future, and that come from sharing a certain passion.