The Mongolian rock band performed at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, using their international platform to support the preservation of living cultural heritage, promote intercultural understanding and announce a fan-funded contribution to the organisation.
The HU have taken their message of cultural preservation and global unity to UNESCO headquarters in Paris, performing at the organisation’s Pump Up The Volume For Peace event on 26 October 2026 and announcing a donation supported by their international fanbase.
The performance brought together two important elements of The HU’s identity: their international success as a Mongolian rock band and their commitment to introducing traditional Mongolian culture to audiences around the world.
The appearance at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters also reinforced the band’s position as UNESCO Artists for Peace, an appointment they received in November 2022 in recognition of their work promoting cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue.
The event, Pump Up The Volume For Peace, highlighted the role of music and traditional cultural practices in encouraging understanding between communities and protecting living heritage. The HU performed material from their third studio album, HUN, while announcing a contribution to UNESCO made possible through the support of their global audience.
Galaa, the band’s lead throat singer and morin khuur player, said the donation represented a shared commitment between the musicians and their fans.
“We are very grateful to be donating back to UNESCO with the help of our fans and promoting peace in our messaging,” Galaa said.
He also spoke about the importance of keeping traditional instruments and cultural practices alive, particularly at a time of international uncertainty.
“On this event, we hope to not only inspire people to keep their history alive by using their ancient instruments to create depth but also hope to promote peace across the world in this tumultuous time. Everyone’s voice matters and we want every one of you to use your unique voice to inspire others and promote peace.”
Formed in Ulaanbaatar in 2016, The HU have developed an international following through a distinctive musical approach they describe as Hunnu Rock. Their sound combines contemporary hard rock and metal with traditional Mongolian instrumentation, throat singing and elements of the country’s musical history.
Central to that identity are Khöömei throat singing, the tsuur flute and the morin khuur, also known as the horsehead fiddle. These traditional practices and instruments have connections to Mongolia’s recognised intangible cultural heritage, giving the band’s music a cultural dimension beyond its rock foundations.
The HU’s name is derived from the Mongolian word for human being, reflecting the band’s recurring themes of shared humanity, cultural identity and respect for the natural world.
Their third album, HUN, was released on 24 July 2026 through Better Noise Music. The 11-track collection continues the band’s exploration of Mongolian cultural values, environmental preservation and humanity’s relationship with the earth. Songs from the album formed part of the Paris performance, connecting their latest recorded work with the cultural message they presented to UNESCO.
The appearance followed the band’s European and United Kingdom Warrior Chant Tour, which covered 22 cities. The tour placed the band’s traditional instrumentation and distinctive vocal techniques in front of international rock audiences, continuing the expansion of a following that began with their 2019 debut album, The Gereg.
The HU followed that debut with Rumble of Thunder in 2022 and have since continued to build their international profile through touring, collaborations and cultural initiatives.
Their relationship with UNESCO is part of a broader commitment to representing Mongolia internationally. The band members are also Cultural Envoys of Mongolia and recipients of the Order of Genghis Khan, the country’s highest state honour, recognising their contribution to promoting Mongolian culture.
Their advocacy extends beyond music to include environmental protection, cultural diversity, gender equality and the preservation of endangered regional dialects.
The Paris donation announcement adds a practical dimension to that work. Rather than presenting the contribution solely as an initiative by the band, Galaa emphasised the involvement of the people who have supported The HU throughout their international career.
For a group whose music is built around preserving and reinterpreting traditional Mongolian forms, the UNESCO appearance provided a fitting platform. Their instruments, vocal techniques and musical identity carry cultural traditions into contemporary performance, introducing those practices to audiences who may otherwise have little exposure to them.
The HU’s appearance at UNESCO demonstrated how an internationally touring rock band can use its audience and public profile to support a wider cultural mission, while keeping the musical traditions of Mongolia at the centre of its identity.
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