Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Middle East

Award-winning Lebanese pop star Nancy Ajram will use her fame to spotlight the needs of young people in the Middle East and North Africa as she takes on her new role as regional Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) today.

Ms. Ajram, who won a World Music Award in 2008 and whose popularity spans beyond the region, was appointed by UNICEF in recognition of her dedication to children’s issues in her native Lebanon.

“We are delighted to welcome Nancy Ajram to UNICEF,” said Sigrid Kaag, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “Goodwill ambassadors help focus the world’s attention on the needs of children and can act as agents of change.”

Ms. Ajram, will raise awareness of children’s issues, particularly in relation to early childhood development, protection from harm and young people’s participation.

“It is an honour for me to be given this opportunity to contribute to this work for children,” Ms. Ajram said. “As a young mother with a small child myself, I relate even more to children and to mothers of the region.”

Ms. Ajram joins Egyptian Actor Mahmoud Kabil as one of only two UNICEF regional Goodwill Ambassadors for the Middle East and North Africa.