Shakira

© UNICEF/2006/Markisz

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira taping the new HIV/AIDS campaign public-service spot.

Appointed by UNICEF in 2003, Shakira’s main commitment as a Goodwill Ambassador has been education.

“I’m a firm believer,” she asserts, “that education is the most efficient tool we have to make people aware and make our children aware, and to protect them from the scourge of the century, which is AIDS.”

An internationally renowned singer and songwriter, Shakira joins a world-class roster of celebrities who have embraced UNICEF through the years, dating back to Danny Kaye 50 years ago and continuing today with more than 100 stars of film, music, sport, and literature.

Critical to her appeal is the fact that Shakira, the youngest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, has captured an audience of millions of young people in countries world-wide.

“UNICEF has done tremendous work in my home nation of Colombia and I have seen first-hand the difference UNICEF makes,” said Shakira, the first Colombian to be appointed a global Goodwill Ambassador. “It’s rewarding to know that I join such a great list of stars supporting UNICEF, and can personally contribute to improving the lives and futures of children.”