Celebrities may be known for blockbuster films, hit songs or championship titles, but many also use their influence to improve the lives of children around the world. Through advocacy, fundraising and visits to communities facing hardship, UNICEF celebrity ambassadors help bring global attention to issues such as poverty, conflict, education and health care.

UNICEF launched its Goodwill Ambassador program in 1954 when entertainer Danny Kaye became the first public figure to represent the organization. Since then, actors, athletes, musicians and digital creators have partnered with UNICEF to raise awareness and support programs that provide children with nutrition, education, medical care and emergency assistance.

1. Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown became one of UNICEF’s youngest Goodwill Ambassadors when she accepted the role in 2018 at just 14 years old. Since then, she has focused on promoting children’s rights, mental health awareness and gender equality. In 2025, Brown traveled to Brazil with UNICEF, where she met with adolescent girls to learn about the barriers they face, including gender-based violence, unequal access to education and limited opportunities to shape decisions affecting their futures. During her visit, she highlighted UNICEF’s work with local partners to create safe spaces for girls, expand educational opportunities and strengthen programs that empower young people to advocate for their rights. Brown emphasized the importance of listening to girls’ experiences and creating equal opportunities for every child.

2. David Beckham

For nearly two decades, former soccer star David Beckham has worked alongside UNICEF to support children around the world. Appointed a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005, Beckham has visited countries including Sierra Leone, Indonesia and Nepal to see UNICEF programs firsthand. In 2015, to mark 10 years as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Beckham launched the 7 Fund, named after the jersey number he wore throughout much of his soccer career. The fund supports UNICEF programs that protect children from violence, improve access to education and health care and respond to emergencies. Since its launch, the initiative has helped UNICEF reach vulnerable children in countries affected by conflict, poverty and natural disasters while advocating for lasting change for children worldwide.

3. Sofia Carson

Singer and actor Sofia Carson has become a strong advocate for children through her work as a UNICEF USA Ambassador. Beyond using her platform to encourage public support, Carson has traveled with UNICEF to learn about programs benefiting children and young people. She has highlighted UNICEF initiatives that provide children with access to education, nutrition, clean water, vaccines and mental health support, particularly in communities affected by poverty and humanitarian crises. Carson has also participated in fundraising efforts that help finance education, emergency relief and health initiatives worldwide.

4. Orlando Bloom

Since becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2009, Orlando Bloom has visited communities affected by conflict, displacement and natural disasters. His travels have taken him to countries including Bangladesh, Ukraine and Nepal, where he has highlighted the challenges children face during humanitarian emergencies. Bloom continues to advocate for access to education, health care and protection for vulnerable children.

5. Roger Federer

Roger Federer has supported UNICEF’s mission since becoming a Goodwill Ambassador in 2006. While best known for his success on the tennis court, Federer has devoted much of his humanitarian work to expanding educational opportunities for children, particularly in southern Africa. Through both UNICEF and the Roger Federer Foundation, which began investing in early childhood education in southern Africa in 2003, Federer has helped improve access to quality preschool education in countries including Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa. The foundation has reached millions of children and trained thousands of teachers with the goal of giving young children a stronger start before entering primary school.

6. Khaby Lame

Content creator Khaby Lame joined UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador in 2025 after visiting programs in Senegal, where he met children and young people working to improve their communities. Having experienced financial hardship during his own childhood, Lame often speaks about the importance of creating opportunities for young people. Today, he uses his global audience to promote children’s rights and encourage support for UNICEF’s work.

7. Amanda Gorman

Poet and activist Amanda Gorman became a UNICEF ambassador in 2025, bringing her voice and advocacy to the organization’s efforts on behalf of children. Through her speeches, writing and public appearances, Gorman has emphasized the importance of education, gender equality and protecting children affected by humanitarian crises. Her work reflects UNICEF’s mission of ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Why Celebrity Advocacy Matters

The work of UNICEF celebrity ambassadors extends far beyond public appearances. By visiting communities, sharing the stories of children and encouraging governments and donors to take action, these ambassadors help bring attention to challenges that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Their influence also helps UNICEF reach millions of people through television, interviews and social media, inspiring individuals to donate, volunteer and learn more about the organization’s mission. While celebrities cannot solve global poverty on their own, their visibility helps connect people around the world with causes that need support.

As humanitarian crises continue to affect children across the globe, UNICEF celebrity ambassadors remain valuable partners in UNICEF’s efforts to improve access to health care, education, nutrition and protection. Their advocacy demonstrates how influential voices can help create meaningful change for children and families worldwide.

– Kayla Moore

Kayla is based in Lake Forest, IL, USA and focuses on Celebs for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons