Today, more than 300 celebrities are undertaking a mission bestowed by UNICEF: “To speak for the children who cannot speak for themselves” - as Audrey Hepburn, one of UNICEF’s best loved Goodwill Ambassador once said.

UNICEF works with celebrities who are passionate humanitarians and generously lend their images and voices in support of UNICEF’s work for children. Their names include some of the world’s most prominent figures such as Orlando Bloom, David Beckham, Ricky Martin, Leo Messi, Shakira Mebarak, Selena Gomez, Ewan McGregor, Pau Gasol, Manchester United, as well as Sir Roger Moore and Queen Rania, and many others.

They visit UNICEF’s programmes in the field, talk with the children and their families, and learn from the professionals about the needs, achievements and gaps. They share what they’ve seen, witnessed and learned with the public and media, using their fame to move vulnerable children into the spotlight. Photo Credit: UNICEF

"The sick, orphaned, hungry children UNICEF helps are a force for peace because they grow up remembering that people around the world have joined hands to help them.” -- Danny Kaye.

Danny Kaye, US actor and comedian, was the first Goodwill Ambassador from 1954 until his death in 1987. One of his most prominent legacies perhaps is the 1955 documentary film, Assignment, Children, featuring how UNICEF was helping the children in India, Myanmar, Thailand and other Asian countries. His film is estimated to have reached more than one hundred million people. Photo Credit: UNICEF

"I can testify to what UNICEF means to children, because I was among those who received food and medical relief right after World War II," said Audrey Hepburn on her appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador in 1989. "I have a long-lasting gratitude and trust for what UNICEF does."

She tirelessly visited UNICEF’s programmes in Africa, Asia and Central American countries, making herself an expert spokesperson for children and UNICEF.

"UNICEF is a humanitarian institution, not a charitable organization. It deals in development, not in welfare, giving hand-outs to those waiting with their hands outstretched. On my travels to Ethiopia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Central America, Mexico, and the Sudan, I have seen no outstretched hands, only a silent dignity and a longing to help themselves, given the chance. That is what UNICEF is all about - helping people to help themselves and giving them the aid to develop.” she said.

In September 1992, four months before she died, Hepburn went to Somalia. She devoted her last days to calling the world’s attention to the humanitarian crisis.

On 7 May 2002, a sculpture “The Spirit of Audrey Hepburn” was unveiled in the public plaza adjacent to UNICEF headquarters in midtown Manhattan in memory of her commitment to children. Photo Credit: UNICEF

Many celebrities have followed the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn to help UNICEF help children.

In China, UNICEF has appointed Yang Lan, Maggie Cheung and Chen Kun as its Ambassadors. Photo Credit: UNICEF/China

Yang Lan is one of China’s most popular broadcast journalists and most successful entrepreneurs.

Both a political adviser and mother, Yang Lan is keen to help support millions of Chinese mothers like herself. In 2012, in the ninth year of her term as a member of the Chinese People`s Political Consultative Conference, Yang submitted a resolution calling for support of breast-feeding mothers in China.

With nearly 9 million followers on Sina Weibo, Yang also supported UNICEF’s digital engagement by tweeting about correct messages on breastfeeding. One of her most viral tweets drew 10,635 re-tweets and 5,110 comments. Mothers applauded her open support and gained more confidence in choosing breastfeeding over bottles.

Yang Lan also helped raise the public awareness on the importance of vaccination to prevent childhood diseases, and about how hand-washing with soap after using the toilet and before eating can save lives. Photo Credit: UNICEF/China

“I’ve been an actress for many years but I don’t feel what I’ve done is anything substantial…This time I have a chance to work with UNICEF, for the first time I feel the weight of responsibility laid on me. So I will take my role very seriously and do my best.” Maggie Cheung, UNICEF Ambassador for China.

Since her appointment in April 2010, Maggie has worked with UNICEF to advocate for children affected by HIV/AIDS, children with disabilities and for a comprehensive child welfare framework in China.

On 1st June Children’s Day 2011, Maggie Cheung joined a live chat via UNICEF’s official account on Sina Weibo, China’s twitter equivalent, and shared what she’d seen from the child welfare project sites with thousands of micro-bloggers.

The chat attracted 2,000 questions within an hour, a record for Sina celebrity chats. This one chat led to a 100% increase in the number of micro-blog followers, from 17,000 to 35,000. The live chat, the first of its kind for UNICEF and for Maggie herself, was also reported by newspapers and TV media. More importantly, UNICEF was able to engage in a lively discussion about an important and complicated children’s issue: helping China develop family and community based support for its most vulnerable children. Photo Credit: UNICEF/China

Now as the father of a son, Chen Kun, one of China’s most successful performing artists, sees from his own experience the importance of a safe, secure and positive environment for a child’s development, which also has motivated him to work with UNICEF.

Chen Kun will support UNICEF in engaging parents with correct information on preschool education, rally more support to the children with disabilities, orphans, left-behind children, and children victimized by domestic violence, and work with every citizen to create a better world fit for children.

In 2010 and 2011, Chen Kun gave his image and voice to UNICEF during celebration of Global Handwashing Day. His involvement helped share the simple yet highly effective life-saving hygiene practice with an audience of many millions in China. Handwashing with soap can prevent dangerous childhood diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea, which are among the leading causes of child mortality in rural China. Photo Credit: UNICEF/China

UNICEF also benefits from celebrities in China’s Hong Kong SAR. Leon Lai and Jackie Chan serve as UNICEF International Ambassadors.

The Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF has appointed a number of top entertainers such as Gigi Leung , Karen Mok, Charlie Young, Miriam Yeung, Daniel Chan, Louis Koo, Huang Xiaoming and Aaron Kwok. Photo Credit: UNICEF/China

The next Ambassador? Could be you…

We encourage everyone to learn about children’s rights and take action by sharing the urgent issues facing children with your friends. Be a supporter of UNICEF, today! Photo Credit: UNICEF/China