A cast of international artists have contributed their talents to “Unity,” an official Athens 2004 Olympics pop music compilation.  The disc features artists representing 15 countries across 16 tracks relating to peace and harmony.  Due Aug. 10 from EMI/Capitol Records, the set features Sting, Alice Cooper, Earth Wind & Fire, Lenny Kravitz and Destiny’s Child.

Proceeds for the album will benefit UNICEF, with EMI Music pledging a minimum donation of $180,000 to the organization’s HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa.

Only Canadian pop rocker Avril Lavigne and U.K. rapper Mr. G appear solo on the set, with the former covering Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”  The rest of the album is made up of collaborations that stretch across international borders.

Jamaican dancehall artist Wayne Wonder joins Neneh Cherry for “Eyes on the Prize,” while U.S. rapper/producer Timbaland and singer Kiley Dean mix up “By Your Side” with Japanese artist Utada.  Mozambique-born vocalist Mariza and Sting collaborate on “A Thousand Years,” and Iraqi singer Kadim Al Sahir links with American singer/guitarist Kravitz for “We Want Peace.”

Among the other interesting combinations is “MKLFKWR,” a mash-up of music by ever-evolving electronic experimenter Moby and veteran rap act Public Enemy.

“Unity” is the first of three official Athens 2004 Olympic Games albums.  EMI will also release a classical set, “Harmony,” and a Greek album, “Phos,” this summer.

The Athens games are scheduled to being Aug. 13 and close Aug. 29.  Here is the “Unity” track list:

            “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” Avril Lavigne

            “I Know,” Destiny’s Child and Will I Am

            “By Your Side,” Timbaland, Utada and Kiley Dean

            “Universal Prayer,” Tiziano Ferro and Jamelia

            “A Thousand Years,” Sting and Mariza

            “Going All the Way,” Beres Hammond and Les Nubians

            “Issues,” Mr. G

            “Love Together,” Earth Wind & Fire and Roots Manuva

            “Eyes on the Prize,” Wayne Wonder and Neneh Cherry

            “We Want Peace,” Lenny Kravitz and Kadim Al Sahir

            “Oh Yeah,” Macy Gray and Keziah Jones

            “MKLFKWR,” Moby and Public Enemy

            “Stand,” Alice Cooper and Xzibit

            “Everlasting,” Grunemeyer, Cheb Mami and Dalaras

            “Still Standing,” Brian Eno, Skin and Rachid Taha

            “Pass the Flame,” Trevor Horn, Yiannis, Tarkan and Katia