Maggie Cheung officially made a UNICEF Ambassador in China
(english.cri.cn)
Updated: 2010-04-30 17:46
 |
Large Medium Small |
During the conference, Cheung was asked to name a book for children to read. She recommended the French novel "The Little Prince", written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
UNICEF was the first United Nations agency to appoint celebrity Ambassadors to help call the public's attention to the urgent needs of children. The first UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador was American comedian Danny Kaye, who was appointed in the 1950's. Another famous appointee was Audrey Hepburn. Today, nearly 200 celebrities and artists from numerous countries serve as UNICEF Ambassadors at international and national levels throughout the world.
"We are delighted to welcome Ms. Maggie Cheung as UNICEF Ambassador in China," said Dr. Yin Yin New. "As one of the world's best known Chinese cinema artists, she will help us to continue raising the profile of children's issues. We are thoroughly delighted that such a respected and acclaimed artist will lend her voice to the cause of children."
UNICEF China aims to enlist Ms. Maggie Cheung's support for public advocacy on key children's rights issues, such as support for children affected by HIV/AIDS, migrant and left-behind children and children with disabilities.
UNICEF will begin a new five-year program of cooperation with the government of China in 2011, focusing on the most vulnerable children and women in China.