UNICEF People

© ©Credit Sean Gleeson_Idols

Robbie Williams is currently on his 2006 World Tour during which he will be showing his HIV/AIDS Public Service Announcement (PSA) recorded with David Beckham. 

Robbie’s introduction to UNICEF came in 1998 with a week-long trip to Sri Lanka to experience a Day of Tranquillity and to launch and promote the country’s National Immunisation Day.

A trip to Mozambique in May 2000 saw the launch of his role as Ambassador for UNICEF UK.  He witnessed for himself the double disasters facing the country; HIV/AIDS and the devastating flood damage.  Back in the UK, Robbie led UNICEF’s efforts Breaking the Wall of Silence around HIV/AIDS, literally knocking down a 100ft wall in a bulldozer.

In 2003 Robbie stood firmly behind UNICEF UK’s End Child Exploitation Campaign, narrating the short film ‘More Precious Than Gold’, highlighting the harsh issue of child trafficking.  In November 2003 he took time out from his European Tour to visit disadvantaged children in Moscow, a chance for him to see first-hand how poverty and family breakdown were making children vulnerable to exploitation.

He has also played a key role in UNICEF’s global campaign Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS.  Alongside fellow Ambassador David Beckham, he has recorded a film to raise awareness of children, the missing face of HIV/AIDS.  Launched on World AIDS Day in December 2005, the film has been used internationally to focus people’s attention on this issue.  In April 2006 he saw for himself the devastating impact that this epidemic is having on the lives of young orphaned children in South Africa.

Robbie’s most recent support of UNICEF was an ambitious and exciting venture.  May 2006 saw the launch of Soccer Aid in the UK, a project created and driven by Robbie, of which UNICEF is the beneficiary.  In the run up to the World Cup, Robbie captained a team of English celebrities and football legends against a Rest of the World team, with televised programmes of the training and a live final at the home of Manchester United in Old Trafford. You can find out more by logging on to www.unicef.org.uk/socceraid

Whatever he does as Ambassador, Robbie is always a real hit with the children.  From football tricks with children in a refugee camp in Sri Lanka, to hand painting with youngsters from North London schools, children are always his biggest fans. 

  "Some of the best moments of my life have been those spent with children in Mozambique and Sri Lanka. During my last trip to South Africa I met so many kids who gave me reason to smile. Now, through UNICEF, I want to be able to give them something to smile about too."