Shakira appointed UNICEF goodwill ambassador
Grammy Award-winning musician Shakira has been appointed a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency.
The 26-year-old is the youngest person and the first Colombian to serve as UNICEF ambassador .
“UNICEF has done tremendous work in my home nation and I have seen firsthand the difference UNICEF makes,” said Shakira in a statement released by the agency.
“It’s rewarding to know that I join such a great list of stars supporting UNICEF, and can personally contribute to improving the lives and futures of children.”
Since 1954, when the late comedian Danny Kaye became the first goodwill ambassador for UNICEF – or the United Nations Children’s Fund – leading personalities in the arts, sports, literature and public life have travelled the world advertising the world body’s work.
Shakira, who lives in Miami and has won a Latin Grammy and numerous MTV music awards, joins a roster of past and present UNICEF ambassadors that also includes the late Audrey Hepburn, Harry Belafonte, Roger Moore, Vanessa Redgrave, Jessica Lange and Mia Farrow.
“Since (1954) celebrities have contributed greatly to UNICEF and served as voices for those who frequently have no voice – the world’s children,” said UNICEF chief Carol Bellamy.
“Shakira, like all our goodwill ambassadors, was chosen based on her compassion, her involvement in global issues, her deep commitment to helping children, and her appeal to young people around the world.
“I know she’ll help bring UNICEF’s mission to the audience who will have the most impact on our future – young people themselves.”
UNICEF said Shakira was “part of a vanguard of young faces” that the agency plans to use as ambassadors as the 50th anniversary of Kaye’s appointment approaches.
Currently, there are about 100 goodwill ambassadors chosen by various UN agencies. Other youthful ambassadors include 28-year-old US film star Angelina Jolie, who has represented the UN High Commissioner for Refugees since 2001.
