The UN has enlisted the volunteer services and support of prominent personalities from the worlds of art, music, film, sport and literature to highlight key issues and to draw attention to its activities.

Over the years, many Olympians, World Champions, elite athletes and sports personalities have lent their name and time to support the UN family. Their mass appeal especially helps in motivating people to act in the interest of improving their own lives and those of their fellow citizens.

These individuals are given the title of Goodwill Ambassador, Messenger of Peace, Special Representative, Champion for Sport or other status depending on the UN entity who has appointed them.

A number of them – including tennis player Maria Sharapova and football players Didier Drogba, Ronaldo and Zinédine Zidane – are also championing the cause of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Using their celebrity status and social media networks, the MDG Champions support UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in mobilizing global action on the Goals. For a complete list of MDG Champions, please click here.

The sports personalities who have been associated with the activities of the UN are: