Ricky Martin
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2003
"The world must do more to make sure children are protected from exploitation and given access to safe environments where they can learn and be empowered."
World-renowned Latin singer and Emmy-nominated actor Ricky Martin was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2003. A passionate defender of children’s rights, Ricky has supported UNICEF’s efforts, especially in child trafficking, around the globe.
As president of the Ricky Martin Foundation, Ricky advocates for the well-being of children in critical areas such as social justice, education and health. Convinced that music, like philanthropy, builds a bridge to hope, Ricky launched People for Children, the foundation’s principal project that seeks to eliminate child trafficking through education.
Ricky Martin's activity with UNICEF
2021
- Ricky contributed an essay to The State of the World’s Children report, the most comprehensive analysis of global trends affecting children, which for the first time is focused on mental health.
2018
- Ricky welcomed a group of children aged 12 to 17 to attend his concert in Budapest. The children are part of "Impressions," a UNICEF programme in Hungary, to help children raised in state care to receive more exposure to culture, sports and other aspects of their society.
2016
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Ricky travelled to Lebanon to meet refugee children who had fled the Syria conflict.
2015
- Ricky joined the Global Mom’s Relay, penning an essay on the urgent need to protect all children from human trafficking.
2009
- Ricky travelled to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he witnessed the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and took part in the star-powered “Hope for Haiti Now” concert to benefit relief efforts.
2005
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Ricky travelled to Jordan to visit Dar Al Aman, the first child protection centre in the Arab region.
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Ricky travelled to Thailand to fundraise for UNICEF’s tsunami relief efforts and support the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
2004
- In New York, Ricky appealed to the United Nations for international help to fight sex tourism.
2003
- In Los Angeles, Ricky participated in the UNICEF Goodwill Gala, which celebrated fifty years of celebrity advocacy and raised $1.5 million for the Audrey Hepburn All Children in School Fund.