Malaysian squash star appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UN development agency

Emerging international squash star Nicol David of Malaysia, recently appointed a National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has pledged to reach out to her countrymen on harnessing information and communications technology (ICT) to improve education.

"I am honoured to be involved with UNDP and I am glad that they see in me qualities that can help others," said Ms. David, who assumed her role earlier this month and will serve an initial one-year term. "I am interested in advocating UNDP messages on ICT to encourage its use to help underprivileged young people get access to education."

In addition to ICT, Ms. David will also speak on issues such as the environment and sustainable development, HIV/AIDS, and the advancement of women in Malaysia.

"Nicol will represent UNDP at special events and activities in Malaysia, speaking to young people on the role they can play in development," said UNDP Resident Representative. Maxine Olson. "Part of Nicol's mission will also be to help convince a growing number of people, institutions and businesses to join the fight against poverty, and I warmly thank her for her support and commitment to this cause."

Ms. David, 18, currently the top-ranked junior player, was the youngest winner of the Women's World Junior Championships when she captured the first of her two consecutive titles three years ago. She was just five years old when she began playing the sport.

With her appointment, she joins the ranks of other UNDP National Goodwill Ambassadors, including Haile Gebreselassie, Ethiopian Olympic marathon gold medal winner; Dikembe Mutombo, basketball star from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Queen Inkhosikati La Motsa of Swaziland; and Trinidad and Tobago's calypso star David Michael Rudder.