Maxim Vengerov
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 1997

"Helping children in need and sharing classical music with young people is perhaps the greatest responsibility of my life."
Hailed as one of the world's finest musicians and string players, Grammy Award–winner Maxim Vengerov is an acclaimed conductor and violin soloist. In 1997, he became the first classical musician to be appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
"I know the joy and the meaning that music can bring to children, even in the most difficult circumstances," said Maxim. "If I can move them and perhaps inspire them, I’ll feel very proud."
Throughout his time as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Maxim has generously provided fundraising and advocacy support for UNICEF’s global work and helped inspire children through music. Since his first visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1997, Maxim has visited many countries with UNICEF, including Serbia, Thailand, Turkey and Uganda. Most recently, he performed and spoke at a high-level #EndViolence event in Bucharest for UNICEF Romania.