UNICEF People

Jackie Chan

Goodwill Ambassador

© The JC Group/Katharine Schroeder

Jackie Chan, world-famous actor and martial arts expert, was appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) during a visit to Cambodia in April 2004.

Champion for children

As Goodwill Ambassador, Chan is committed to supporting efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding this global scourge, whose impact falls heavily on children. He also raises awareness about the destruction wrought by landmines and about other issues affecting children, including avian influenza.

Since his appointment, the charismatic and popular kung fu hero has made time in his hectic schedule to champion the cause of children.

During 2004 he made his first field trip to Cambodia, where he visited HIV/AIDS and landmine rehabilitation and awareness projects supported by UNICEF. In Siem Reap, home to the fabled Angkor War temple complex, he witnessed the horrific legacy of hidden landmines that continue to pose a daily threat to Cambodian children and their communities. Chan also met with children and young people whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS.

In January 2005, in the aftermath of the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, Chan supported relief efforts by making a personal contribution to UNICEF of half a million Hong Kong dollars (approximately US$64,000). His gift was matched by the New World Group, corporate partners of the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF.

In April 2005, Chan returned to Cambodia as part of an earlier pledge he had made to continue raising awareness on the deadly legacy of landmines in the country. Accompanied by Edwin Moses, Olympic Gold Medal winner, he visited UNICEF-assisted education and mine marking and removal projects.

© UNICEF Viet Nam/2005/Horner

UNICEF/UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Mission to Viet Nam , 22-25th April 2005

As part of the same mission, Chan made a first-ever visit to Viet Nam with UNICEF to communicate a strong message on the importance of showing compassion and empathy to children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. He travelled to a province with the highest HIV prevalence rate in the country, where he sat and talked with children and their families, who regularly gather at an ‘empathy’ support club. He also toured an antenatal clinic that provides counseling, testing and information on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

In Hanoi, he visited the Phap Van Pagoda and witnessed a Buddhist monks’ initiative to provide support and care to young people living with the disease.

The positive power of fame

In addition to first-hand visits to UNICEF-supported projects, Chan has used his fame and creative talent to produce and appear in a number of public service announcements on avian influenza, HIV/AIDS and landmines.

Jackie Chan, whose blockbuster movies include Rumble in the Bronx and The Medallion, rose to international stardom from humble origins in Hong Kong, where he was born. His films blend action and humour in a mix that has delighted millions across the world. He has won numerous international awards honouring his talents in acting, choreography and film-making.

Chan has also earned many prestigious awards and accolades for his charity, humanitarian and public service work – among them inclusion in Forbes’ May 2006 list of 10 ‘Generous Celebs’. Chan has devoted time to a variety of endeavours, including good works through his charitable foundation, which supports youth development programmes, scholarships and support to the performing arts.

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