UNICEF People
Newsline
IKEA Soft Toys embrace children’s right to education
NEW YORK, USA, 6 November 2009 – This holiday season it will once again be possible to give the gift that gives back. IKEA soft toys are now on sale, and proceeds will continue to help support global UNICEF and Save the Children education programmes.
Vanessa Redgrave gives benefit performance to support children in Gaza and southern Israel
NEW YORK, USA, 29 October 2009 – Legendary thespian, tireless advocate for human rights and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Vanessa Redgrave gave a special benefit performance of ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ this week in New York.
Singer Nancy Ajram appointed UNICEF MENA Regional Goodwill Ambassador
BEIRUT, Lebanon, 23 October 2009 – UNICEF’s Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) announced today the appointment of Lebanese star Nancy Ajram as the newest Regional Goodwill Ambassador.
Two UNICEF advocates, Queen Rania and Mia Farrow, meet in Jordan
AMMAN, Jordan, 14 October 2009 – Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan, UNICEF’s Eminent Advocate for Children, met today with internationally acclaimed actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow.
Angélique Kidjo launches new campaign with Pampers to help eliminate tetanus
PARIS, France, 28 September 2009 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and Grammy-winning world music artist Angélique Kidjo has launched ‘Give the Gift of Life’, a new campaign with Pampers to help eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) by 2012.
H.M. Queen Rania of Jordan joins UNICEF in congratulating young women of Harlem
NEW YORK, USA, 22 September 2009 – The Young Women’s Leadership School of East Harlem serves students from minority and low-income families. It is a pioneer in all-girl public education, and a model of success.
New UNICEF Chief of Health, Dr. Mickey Chopra, outlines challenges
NEW YORK, USA, 1 September 2009 – One month into his new post as UNICEF Chief of Health and Associate Director of Programmes, Dr. Mickey Chopra has identified relations with regional and international partners as a top priority for his tenure.
UNICEF mourns the loss of Eunice Kennedy Shriver
UNICEF joins with millions of people around the world in mourning the loss of a truly remarkable woman, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who dedicated her life to bring new hope and opportunity to children around the world who live with disabilities.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Tetsuko Kuroyanagi celebrates 25 years of service
TOKYO, Japan, 20 May 2009 – With tributes, accolades and video messages from UNICEF’s leadership and a host of dignitaries, Goodwill Ambassador Tetsuko Kuroyanagi recently celebrated a quarter-century of dedicated service to UNICEF and the world’s children.
UNICEF and IKEA Social Initiative support schooling for ethnic minorities in Viet Nam
LAO CAI PROVINCE, Viet Nam, 15 April 2009 – As part of her morning routine, Thao Thi Mao dropped off her young son at the Ban Pho Pre-school, set against the dramatic backdrop of the northern hills of Viet Nam's Lao Cai Province. On this day, she also brought with her a heavy bundle of firewood, to cook the children's lunch.
Regional Goodwill Ambassador Mahmoud Kabil lends support to hospital serving Gaza
GAZA STRIP, Occupied Palestinian Territory, 17 February 2009 – Egyptian actor and UNICEF Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa Mahmoud Kabil paid a special visit last week to El-Arish hospital in Egypt, near the Rafah border crossing to Gaza.
A voice for children: Opera star Maria Guleghina joins forces with UNICEF
NEW YORK, USA, 12 February 2009 – One of opera's most celebrated stars has joined forces with UNICEF to advocate for children's rights.
Orlando Bloom visits Krasnoselky rehabilitation centre in Moscow
MOSCOW, Russian Federation, 24 November 2008 – The children at the Krasnoselsky social shelter in Moscow could not believe their eyes when Orlando Bloom, an enthusiastic supporter of UNICEF programmes, stopped in for a visit recently. This was his first visit to Russia.
UNICEF Eminent Advocate for Children, Queen Rania of Jordan, speaks out on abuse
AMMAN, Jordan, 19 November 2008 – Abuse against children takes many forms – violence inflicted upon them or around them; exploitation in factories and fields; trafficking for labour, prostitution, and war; forced marriage and childbearing for little girls who are still just children themselves.
Desmond Tutu makes PSA for 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 20 November 2008 – Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu – one of the world's foremost and best known defenders of human rights – has spoken out about the importance of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its adoption.
On visit to Argentina, Queen Rania of Jordan promotes quality education
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, 23 October 2008 - Children at a UNICEF-supported school in Argentina received a royal visitor this week, when Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah of Jordan dropped by.
Hayley Westenra, youngest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, visits projects in Ghana
ACCRA, Ghana, 29 September 2008 - UNICEF Ambassador Hayley Westenra visited Ghana last week to see for herself the critical need for safe water and education for some of the world’s poorest children.
Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow urges tsunami-like response in Haiti’s disaster zones
GONAÏVES, Haiti, 22 September 2008 – Looking down from helicopter at the devastation wrought by a month of hurricanes and catastrophic flooding, actress Mia Farrow made an immediate comparison.
Former child soldier Emmanuel Jal is now a hip hop star with a message of peace
NEW YORK, USA, 25 August 2008 – Over a decade has passed since Sudanese hip hop star Emmanuel Jal was a child soldier. He survived to tell his story and is now an acclaimed international musician with a message of peace.
Jackie Chan and other celebrities attend ‘Champions for Children’ event in Beijing
BEIJING, China, 15 August 2008 – One day after the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, UNICEF China hosted ‘Champions for Children’ – an evening of advocacy for the most vulnerable children in China.
UNICEF Hong Kong Ambassadors show support for children in quake-affected Sichuan
BEIJING, China, 31 July 2008 – Three top celebrities who are also Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF Ambassadors visited earthquake-affected Southwest China’s Sichuan province recently.
Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo brings a message of peace to Damascus
DAMASCUS, Syria, 30 July 2008 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo performed for the 2008 Damascus World Music Festival last week, delivering a message of peace, hope and protection for all children.
UNICEF USA Ambassador Clay Aiken visits Somalia
NAIROBI, Kenya, 2 July 2008 – During a five-day visit to the self-declared republic of Somaliland in north-west Somalia, UNICEF USA Ambassador Clay Aiken was moved by the work that UNICEF is doing under challenging circumstances.
Jackie Chan brings a message of peace and harmony to young people of Timor-Leste
DILI, Timor-Leste, 26 June 2008 – On a visit here this week, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan inspired young people in Timor-Leste with a special message about using martial arts as a peaceful, unifying force.
Mia Farrow urges support for ‘abandoned’ families in Central African Republic
NEW YORK, USA, 10 June 2008 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow today described the people of Central African Republic as “without question, the most abandoned people on earth.” She called on the full support of the international community to restore peace in the violence-ravaged country.
Football star and UNICEF Ambassador Ole Gunnar Solskjær visits schools in Angola
LUANDA, Angola, 29 April 2008 – Superstar footballer and UNICEF Norway Goodwill Ambassador Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently visited Angola to witness the educational reconstruction still required in a country devastated by a civil war that ended nearly six years ago.
Reporter’s notebook: David Beckham surprises local footballers in Sierra Leone
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone 18 January 2008 – A group of Sierra Leonean football players received the surprise of their lives recently, when football star and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham joined their informal game at a roadside pitch.
Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham visits child survival programmes in Sierra Leone
BOMBALI DISTRICT, Sierra Leone, 22 January 2008 – Football star and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham recently completed a visit to Sierra Leone, where he travelled with UNICEF representatives to focus attention on the issue of child survival.
Orlando Bloom visits UNICEF programmes for children in Nepal
KASKI AND CHITWAN DISTRICTS, Nepal, 10 January 2008 – Another Hollywood movie star might have felt strange in a remote and impoverished area of Nepal, but actor Orlando Bloom seemed perfectly at ease.
UNICEF Eminent Advocate for Children visits AIDS projects in São Paulo
SÃO PAULO, Brazil, 10 December 2007 – “I have learned so much from all of the young people that I met and spoke with today. You have inspired me with your optimism, your courage, your determination and your warmth,” said Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, Maria Teresa, during the first official field visit in her new capacity as a UNICEF Eminent Advocate for Children.
New UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the Berliner Philharmoniker, performs children's concert
NEW YORK, USA, 5 December 2007 – One of the world’s most renowned orchestras, the Berliner Philharmoniker, has joined the ranks of UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassadors. The announcement came during the orchestra’s Rite of Spring project involving more than 100 schoolchildren from New York City public schools this past fall.
South African designer Gavin Rajah creates one-of-a-kind doll to benefit UNICEF
PRETORIA, South Africa, 30 November 2007 – South African couturier and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Gavin Rajah has created a high-fashion doll to raise funds in support of UNICEF’s ongoing work.
Roger Federer to speak out on World AIDS Day
NEW YORK, USA, 26 November 2007 – Roger Federer, the Association of Tennis Professionals world number-one tennis player and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, took a break from his whirlwind schedule of tournaments, grand slams and public appearances to record a video message raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman host 'Long Way Down' benefit
LONDON, United Kingdom, 13 November 2007 – After spending three months travelling the 'Long Way Down' through Europe and Africa, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman concluded their 15,000 mile adventure in Cape Town, South Africa in August this year.
Beloved cartoon character Mônica is the newest National Ambassador for UNICEF Brazil
SÃO PAULO, Brazil, 8 November 2007 – UNICEF Brazil named a unique new National Ambassador in São Paulo this week – Mônica, the beloved cartoon character who has been capturing the hearts and imagination of children since 1963.
Sir Roger Moore receives Dag Hammarskjöld Inspiration Award for his work with UNICEF
NEW YORK, USA, 25 October 2007 – “I’ve been an exceedingly lucky actor, and the luck of it all was that I was able to come and work for UNICEF,” said Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore as he received the Dag Hammarskjöld Inspiration Award at a ceremony in New York today.
Sir Roger Moore to receive Hammarskjöld Award for his work with UNICEF
NEW YORK, USA, 23 October 2007 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sir Roger Moore is to receive a prestigious humanitarian award later this week honouring his work to promote the rights of the world’s children.
Goodwill Ambassador Danny Glover inspires, and is inspired by, youths in São Paulo
SÃO PAULO, Brazil, 9 October 2007 – “Every day I see children and adolescents holding in their hands an immense potential for transformation,” said Goodwill Ambassador Danny Glover during his recent visit to two UNICEF-supported projects in São Paulo, Brazil.
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman praise UNICEF’s work and talk about ‘Long Way Down’
LONDON, United Kingdom, 5 October 2007 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Ewan McGregor and his friend and colleague Charley Boorman recently spoke about their pan-African motorbike adventure known as the ‘Long Way Down’.
Nelson Mandela and Executive Director Ann M. Veneman unite for children
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 5 October 2007 – UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman met with Nelson Mandela today to discuss the importance of partnerships to address children's issues, particularly HIV and AIDS.
In Benin, Angélique Kidjo visits centres for trafficked and abused children
COTONOU, Benin, 4 October 2007 – At the Laura Vicuna Centre for child rehabilitation here in Cotonou, UNICEF Goodwill Angélique Kidjo held in her arms a sobbing Rosine, 13, who had just bravely told her story of abuse.
Jenna Bush celebrates ‘Ana’s Story’ at UNICEF House book launch
NEW YORK, USA, 1 October 2007 – Jenna Bush, who interned with UNICEF in Latin America from September 2006 through May 2007, has drawn from that experience to write ‘Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope’ – a personal account of a girl who struggles to break free from a vicious cycle of abuse, poverty and illness.
UNICEF ambassadors help out during Madagascar’s Mother and Child Health Week
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, 7 November 2007 – Late last month, Madagascar held its third national Mother and Child Health Week with the goal of providing more than 4 million mothers and children with life-saving health care.
Footballer Marcel Desailly teaches girls in Ghana about success on and off the field
TAMALE CITY, Ghana, 26 September 2007 – Accomplished football player and Goodwill Ambassador Marcel Desailly recently visited the Northern Region of Ghana with UNICEF to encourage children, especially young girls, to play football and go to school.
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Gian Marco Zignago visits shelters in earthquake-ravaged areas of Peru
LIMA, Peru, 14 September 2007 – UNICEF Peru Goodwill Ambassador Gian Marco Zignago recently visited with victims of last month’s devastating earthquake in Pisco, Peru. Mr. Zignago, a popular Peruvian entertainer, listened intently as many children told him of their experiences and their ongoing fears. The singer also shared his own childhood memories of an earthquake.
Angélique Kidjo raises awareness on child rights in her native Benin
SÔ-AVA, Benin, 13 September 2007 – World renowned singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo is in her home country of Benin this week to raise awareness about child rights. As part of her tour, she will visit communities across the nation, talking to leaders and parents about the benefits of education for all – especially girls.
Goodwill Ambassador Marcel Desailly encourages children in Ghana to go to school
SAVELUGU/NANTON DISTRICT, Ghana, 5 September 2007 – UNICEF Ghana recently designated their very first Goodwill Ambassador: accomplished football player Marcel Desailly.
Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman take the ‘Long Way Down’ to support landmine education
NEW YORK, USA, 24 July 2007 – Riding a motorcycle from Northern Scotland all the way to South Africa may not be the most expedient form of travel. But for Goodwill Ambassador Ewan McGregor and UNICEF supporter Charley Boorman, it is the trip of a lifetime – an adventure which is helping to raise funds and awareness for children.
NBA star and Goodwill Ambassador Pau Gasol visits HIV-affected children in Angola
MADRID/LUANDA, Angola, 18 July 2007 — US National Basketball Association superstar and UNICEF Spain Goodwill Ambassador Pau Gasol recently visited Angola to see firsthand the country’s fight against HIV/AIDS and UNICEF’s programmes to support children and families affected by the disease.
Madagascar rap star Name Six appointed first-ever Junior Goodwill Ambassador
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, 21 June 2007 – UNICEF has appointed its first-ever Junior Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa in the person of Malagasy rap star Narcisse Randrianarivony, popularly known as Name Six.
First-ever synchronized polio campaign between Namibia, Angola and DR Congo
ONDANGWA, Namibia, 28 June 2007 – When the gates at the border crossing on the Angola-Namibia border open, it's more than trade that can go rushing through. Polio and other diseases need no passports.
UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu visits families displaced by violence in DR Congo
NORTH KIVU, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 18 June 2007 – UNICEF Ambassador Lucy Liu has just returned from a trip to war-torn eastern DR Congo, where she witnessed the dire situation of displaced women and children.
In two new films, Vanessa Redgrave shows her passion for human rights
NEW YORK, USA, 6 June 2007 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Vanessa Redgrave took time out from her busy Broadway performance schedule this week to dedicate herself to two causes close to her heart: advocating for a better world for children, and human rights for all.
Queen Rania, Eminent Advocate for Children, visits child health centre in Morocco
FEZ, Morocco, 2 June, 2007 – On the second day of her official trip to the Kingdom of Morocco, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, UNICEF’s Eminent Advocate for Children, took time out to visit the Doukara Health Centre in the heart of one of the country’s most underprivileged neighbourhoods.
Queen Rania, Eminent Advocate for Children, shares Morocco’s successes
FEZ, Morocco, 1 June 2007 – Morocco is committed to the achievement of quality education, protection and a decent life for its children. During an official visit to the Kingdom, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan today witnessed examples of innovative projects being implemented here.
Alla Levonyan appointed UNICEF Armenia Goodwill Ambassador
YEREVAN, Armenia, 26 April 2007 – Renowned Armenian singer, Alla Levonyan, recently joined the ranks of 200 celebrities around the world who have partnered with UNICEF to advocate for children’s rights.
Steinway’s first ‘Lang Lang’ branded piano to benefit AIDS programmes in China
BEIJING, China, 25 April 2007 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and renowned pianist Lang Lang took time out from his busy concert schedule last week to launch his own branded line of pianos at Beijing’s main Steinway & Sons showroom.
UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken visits Afghanistan
NEW YORK, USA, 18 April 2007 – UNICEF National Ambassador Clay Aiken has visited central Afghanistan to see for himself how UNICEF is trying to improve life for children in the region.
Sexual violence afflicts the lives of children at a school in central Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya, 13 March 2007 – UNICEF’s recently appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Eastern and Southern Africa, the hip-hop star Zola, thought he had seen it all. Born as Bonginkonsi Dlamini in Zola, a crime-ridden neighbourhood in Soweto, South Africa, he grew up surrounded by hunger, poverty, violence and guns.
Mia Farrow visits conflict-afflicted Central African Republic
BANGUI, Central African Republic, 13 February, 2007 – In a rapidly arranged ceremony, President François Bozizé awarded UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow a presidential Medal of Honour in recognition of her services to his nation.
UNICEF mourns the loss of Iraq staff member Janan Jabero, 1954-2007
AMMAN, Jordan, 10 January 2007 – On the last day of 2006, UNICEF staff engineer Janan Jabero, 52, left his house in Baghdad to go see a friend. He never made it. Several days later, his family and colleagues learned that he had been found shot to death in his car.
Danish photographer Jan Grarup wins top prize in UNICEF Photo of the Year competition
BERLIN, Germany, 19 December 2006 – Danish photographer Jan Grarup is the winner of the UNICEF Photo of the Year international competition held by the German National Committee for UNICEF.
Goodwill Ambassador Roger Federer sees tsunami recovery progress in Tamil Nadu
CUDDALORE, India, 22 December 2006 – Just days before the second anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, tennis great and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Roger Federer visited Tamil Nadu, India, witnessing firsthand the progress made to help tsunami-affected communities ‘build back better’.
‘Wake Up World’: Vanessa Redgrave documentary traces UNICEF’s history
NEW YORK, USA, 7 December 2006 – Vanessa Redgrave is widely considered one of the finest actors of her generation. She is equally well known as a passionate activist in the cause of children and an advocate of peace, tolerance and reconciliation. In June 1995, she was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Rock-and-roll benefit concerts: Music to UNICEF’s ears
NEW YORK, USA, 7 December 2006 – UNICEF has started many trends over the years. One of the most influential – the rock-and-roll benefit concert – began in 1971, when George Harrison and Ravi Shankar teamed up with UNICEF to raise money for children and families fleeing the war in what was then East Pakistan.
Tennis ace Serena Williams supports Ghana’s biggest health campaign
NUNGUA-ZONGO, Ghana, 6 November 2006 – For families across Ghana, yesterday was the day to get their young children immunized against deadly childhood diseases, boost their immunity against illness and receive free mosquito nets to help prevent malaria. It was the conclusion of the country’s week-long national integrated child health campaign, the largest such effort in Ghana to date.
UNICEF mourns loss of Rainer Gross, a tireless advocate for child nutrition
NEW YORK, USA, 3 October 2006 – UNICEF is mourning the untimely loss of its Chief of Nutrition, Dr. Rainer Gross, 61, who died on 30 September.
Miss Ghana joins hands with UNICEF to advance child health and nutrition
GHANA, 2 October 2006 – I was elected Ghana’s beauty queen last year, but long before that moment, I knew that being Miss Ghana would be far more than just a title for me. The honour and privilege of winning the contest put me in a unique position to spend my time in service to others.
Shakira launches UNICEF regional campaign to protect children from violence
NEW YORK, USA, 7 November 2006 – At San Salvador’s Sports Palace, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and singer-songwriter Shakira greeted thousands of Salvadoran students who took part in a march against violence on Sunday.
Goodwill Ambassador Roger Federer’s ‘Feder-bear’ makes its debut
NEW YORK, USA, 8 September 2006 – With his bid for a third consecutive U.S. Open championship in full swing, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Roger Federer has served up an ace for children everywhere. ATP, governing body of professional tennis, has announced that the ‘Feder-bear’ Beanie Baby® will be available for purchase this holiday season.
Tennis ace Roger Federer stars in video spot for HIV/AIDS campaign
NEW YORK, USA, 29 August 2006 – His bid for glory at the U.S. Open begins tomorrow, but Roger Federer has already served up an ace in the fight against AIDS with the release of a new public service announcement for UNICEF.
Goodwill Ambassador Tetsuko Kuroyanagi visits children affected by conflict in Côte d’Ivoire
NEW YORK, USA, 22 June 2006 – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Tetsuko Kuroyanagi has concluded a visit to Côte d’Ivoire, where she experienced firsthand the situation facing Ivorian children afflicted by civil conflict, including former child soldiers.
