Bollywood actress appointed UN ambassador for child rights and adolescence

2010-08-11

One of Indian cinema’s leading lights, Priyanka Chopra, was today appointed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as its newest National Ambassador, with the responsibility of promoting issues relating to child rights and adolescence.

“I am very honoured to formalize my association with UNICEF as their National Ambassador to help bring awareness for child rights and adolescence.” said Priyanka Chopra at today’s ceremony in New Delhi.

“Over the past few years, I have worked very closely with the team at UNICEF to bring awareness to a number of causes related to India'’ young and I realized that there is so much more to be done. I hope that by lending my voice I can make a difference to their lives.”

“You all know Priyanka Chopra as a shining star of Indian cinema,” said UNICEF representative Karin Hulshof. “Now I tell you that she is equally passionate about her work on behalf of children and adolescents.

“We are proud of the work she has done with us so far on child rights and we are thrilled about all what we will be doing together so that no child gets left behind. Priyanka, with her unwavering commitment to child rights, will help to create a world fit for children.”

A former Miss World winner, Ms. Chopra entered the Hindi film industry in 2002. Since then she has appeared in many films and last year won a top prize at India’s most prominent film award ceremony.

Since beginning her collaboration with UNICEF in 2008, Ms. Chopra has also recorded a series of public service announcements championing girls’ education and celebrating the 20th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. She has also participated in a media panel discussion to promote child rights.

Ms. Chopra joins Bollywood superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Sharmila Tagore in supporting UNICEF’s work for children in India and around the world.

UNICEF Ambassadors are celebrities with a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of children. Highly talented in their own right, they share an ability to bring attention to children’s issues, to galvanize support from the public and leading decision-makers, and to raise urgently needed funds for UNICEF programmes.

Source: UN News