United Nations Messengers of Peace
United Nations Messengers of Peace are high-profile individuals from the fields of art, literature, science, entertainment, sports or other fields of public life, who have committed themselves to helping the United Nations focus worldwide attention on pressing global issues that are close to their hearts.
These prominent public figures volunteer their time, talent and passion to raise awareness of United Nations efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere. The activities and events they participate in range from keynote addresses at high-level intergovernmental conferences, media interviews and press conferences, to appearances at special events and concerts, and helping to amplify UN social impact campaigns on social media. Messengers of Peace also visit UN programmes and activities in the field, to help raise the visibility of local and regional local issues in the international media.
United Nations Messengers of Peace are designated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations. There are currently thirteen Messengers of Peace, each of whom has a specialized thematic focus area, ranging from biodiversity and climate action to gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities. Since the program’s inception in 1997, nine other outstanding individuals have served as Messengers of Peace. We are grateful for their commitment and service to the work of the United Nations.
Photo: Malala Yousafzai, United Nations Messenger of Peace
Goodwill Ambassadors
Goodwill Ambassadors are designated by the heads of other parts of the UN family of organizations, including UN Funds, Programmes and other subsidiary organs. These include the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), UN Women, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the World Health Organization, among others.
The role of Goodwill Ambassadors is similar to that of Messengers of Peace, to help amplify the work of the UN entity they are engaged with. Goodwill Ambassadors may be designated at the global, regional or national levels, depending on their audience reach.
Photo: Abel “The Weeknd” Makkonen Tesfaye, Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Programme (WFP)
Advocates
Over time, the UN has created specific time-bound campaigns and initiatives to bring attention to pressing issues of the moment. The Organization has called on public figures and/or experts to serve as advocates and champions for these campaigns, to help inform, engage and inspire global audiences. Advocates may be designated by the UN Secretary-General and the heads of other parts of the UN family of organizations.
Photo: Giles Duley UN Global Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Conflict and Peacebuilding Situations
The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the Messenger of Peace and Goodwill Ambassador appointment processes.