Chinese pianist Lang Lang has been awarded the role of UN Messenger of Peace by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. The role was bestowed upon the pianist with a special focus on education, thanks to Lang’s constant work in music education in his native China. He is the first person from China to ever receive the honour. The award comes weeks after Lang Lang was given the International Artist of the Year award at the Classic BRITs. Previous recipients of the UN Messenger of Peace honour include Michael Douglas, George Clooney, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, Stevie Wonder and Luciano Pavarotti.