Lebanon's Marcel Khalife is the first Arab named an international artist for peace by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

"I was honored by that nomination, which will be an incentive for me to look for happiness and life in this very difficult time," Khalife told UPI.

The musician said he looks forward to helping build a society of based on peace.

"I will use my art to further promote peace ... I will do my utmost to help the children in poor and underprivileged areas and support those who might have a talent for music and singing," Khalife said.

He became famous during the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war for his nationalist songs. He studied the Near Eastern lute, known in Arabic as the oud at the National Academy of Music in Beirut.

Khalife taught at the National Conservatory of Music and other institutions from 1970 to 1975. During that time, he also performed solo concerts throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and North America.