Look To The Stars News: UNICEF

Mia Farrow To Visit Chad And Congo This Weekend

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow will travel to Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in a 10-day trip starting Sunday to support a global push to make polio a part of the past.

The visit comes at a pivotal time in the global fight against polio. In January, it was announced that India for the first time reported no new cases of the crippling disease for a full year. Afghanistan, India, Nigeria and Pakistan are among the last four polio endemic countries, down from 125 in 1988.

Angelique Kidjo Wants Better Birth Registration In Benin

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:35:00 +0000

UNICEF ambassador Angélique Kidjo recently visited her home country of Benin to advocate for improvements to the birth registration system.

Many children in Benin are denied the right to a legal identity, excluding them from basic services and leaving them open to exploitation and abuse.

“Each child deserves a birth certificate that will pave the way for his education, for a brighter future, and protect him against child trafficking,” she said. “When a child does not have a birth certificate, his future is jeopardized. He is like a ghost. Our responsibility as parents, caregivers and states is to make sure that each child has a right to legal identity.”

Serena Williams Introduces Schools For Asia

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

UNICEF has made another contribution to the Millennium Development Goal objectives, which are supposed to be realized by 2015.

Following the 2004 launch of the Schools for Africa campaign that raised funds and partnered with organizations to provide and improve education for over five million children throughout Africa, UNICEF has just launched Schools for Asia to do the same for disadvantaged children living across South and East Asia.

Serena Williams, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, introduced Schools for Asia last week: “Schools for Asia provide quality education to millions of children,” she said. “Millions of children around the world don’t have [access to education]. They’re too poor or live too far away. Maybe they need to work to help support their family. Or it’s because of conflict or discrimination.”

Justin Bieber Joins Selena Gomez At UNICEF Concert

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Selena Gomez hit the stage for UNICEF in Los Angeles, with Justin Bieber, David Beckham and Ashley Tisdale on hand for support.

Gomez and her band performed at her second annual charity concert at the House Of Blues to benefit the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s work providing lifesaving nutrition, clean water, medicine, safety and education to children worldwide.

“Thank You to all who came out to the show last night at House of Blues on Sunset,” she wrote on Facebook. "That is one of the shows I look forward to the most and cannot wait for next year’s show.

Youssou N'Dour Temporarily Steps Down As UNICEF Ambassador

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

UNICEF said today that legendary giant of world music Youssou N’Dour had temporarily stepped down from his role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the organization because he is currently campaigning for the presidency of Senegal.

  According to UNICEF policy, politicians or those seeking public office cannot serve as Goodwill Ambassadors for the organization.

  UNICEF greatly benefited from Mr. N’Dour’s involvement, most recently when he met children in the Dadaab refugee camps in northeastern Kenya in September 2011, hearing for himself some of the many stories of suffering amongst the more than 435,000 people who have fled to the camps to escape famine, drought and insecurity in Somalia.

Selena Gomez Announces Second Annual Charity Concert

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Selena Gomez & The Scene are set to perform at her 2nd Annual Charity Concert benefitting UNICEF on Friday, January 20th at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, CA along with surprise musical guests, according to her official website.

Fan club tickets went on sale on Thursday, January 5th at 10 am pst exclusively at SelenaGomez.com. Tickets to the general public go on sale Friday, January 6th at 5pm pst and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.

Selena has been a UNICEF Ambassador since 2009 advocating for the world’s most vulnerable children by participating in numerous campaigns, events and initiatives on behalf of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. With trips to Ghana and Chile, Gomez witnessed first-hand the conditions of children who lack vital necessities.

Tennis Star Spreads Holiday Cheer To Kids In Serbia

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 14:15:00 +0000

World number one ranked tennis player and UNICEF National Ambassador to Serbia, Novak Djokovic, is marking the holiday season by lending his voice and financial support for vulnerable children in Serbia – and around the world.

“I hope my donation and support will help make a difference in the lives of young children throughout Serbia, especially those who have fewer opportunities to reach their full potential,” said Djokovic, who made a $100,000 donation in December to support early childhood education in Serbia. “Building a solid foundation in the early years of a child’s life will not only help him or her reach their full potential but will also result in better societies as a whole.”

Since becoming a UNICEF National Ambassador for Serbia in August, the tennis star has provided strong support to the children’s agency – speaking out for some of the most vulnerable children in Serbia. In September, he visited a kindergarten in Smederevo, near Belgrade, attended by the most marginalized groups in Serbia, including children with disabilities and those living in Roma settlements. The tennis star is also promoting UNICEF Serbia’s card and gift campaign to help raise funds for some of the most vulnerable children around the world.

Selena Gomez And Lucy Liu Blog Charity Christmas Gifts

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Selena Gomez and Lucy Liu have once again blogged for the US Fund for UNICEF’s 12 Days of UNICEF campaign.

Both stars have followed up last week’s blogs with new gift ideas that benefit UNICEF’s mission around the world.

“21,000 young children die every day from causes we already know how to prevent – like malnutrition, poor sanitation and lack of safe, drinkable water,” writes Selena in her new blog post. "UNICEF’s mission is to make that number zero. By purchasing a UNICEF Inspired Gift, we can help UNICEF achieve that goal.

Lauren Bush Talks Charity Christmas Gifts

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Lauren Bush is the latest star to blog for the US Fund for UNICEF’s 12 Days of UNICEF Christmas campaign.

Every day for 12 days, a UNICEF celebrity supporter is blogging about some of the gifts available this Christmas that benefit the organization’s work.

“One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is to make and decorate cookies with friends!” blogs Lauren. "It’s always fun getting together so we try to do this every year. Beyond this holiday tradition, I have also made it my mission to help children around the world who suffer from malnutrition and hunger. I have traveled to many countries and learned about the realities of poverty and hunger firsthand.

Lucy Liu Talks Charity Christmas Gifts

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:45:00 +0000

Lucy Liu is the latest star to blog for the US Fund for UNICEF’s 12 Days of UNICEF Christmas campaign.

Every day for 12 days, a UNICEF celebrity supporter is blogging about some of the gifts available this Christmas that benefit the organization’s work.

“During the holidays as a child in New York, it often snowed, and when it did, my brother, sister and I would run outside and build snowmen, rocket ships and all kinds of creatures from our imaginations,” writes Lucy. "We’d also have snowball fights that lasted for hours with the other kids on the block. After playing in the cold all day, we would come back home, change into our pajamas and then thaw out under the Christmas tree. I loved watching the lights change colors while sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Selena Gomez Talks Charity Christmas Gifts

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Selena Gomez has kicked of the US Fund for UNICEF’s 12 Days Of UNICEF Christmas campaign with a special blog post.

“Christmas is my favorite day of the year,” she writes. "I love being able to slow down and enjoy time with my family this way. I have so many great memories, and one tradition I have come to look forward to every year is making cheesecake with my Aunt Laveda. Every year we get together and make food all day long, and the last thing is always the cheesecake. The holidays would not be the same without this special touch. I have even shared this recipe on the CBS Early Show.

ABC News Supports Million Moms Challenge

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:30:00 +0000

March Of Dimes is joining ABC News and the United Nations Foundation in the recently launched Million Moms Challenge.

This first-of-its kind initiative is connecting millions of Americans with millions of moms in developing countries around the world to engage on the critical issues of pregnancy, childbirth and children’s health — moms here helping moms worldwide.

Since its launch on September 19th, 2011, the Million Moms Challenge has built a vibrant community that connects moms across the globe by using the latest social media strategies together with world-class broadcast and digital news platforms to shine a light on the extraordinary challenges faced by mothers and babies in the developing world.

Stars Celebrate Queen Noor Of Jordan At UNICEF Ball

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:30:00 +0000

The biennial UNICEF Ball, one of Los Angeles’ most notable black-tie benefit galas, took place on Thursday, December 8 at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel.

Nicole Richie

David Beckham Visits Sick Kids In Australia

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

David Beckham visited sick children at a special hospital in Australia earlier this week.

The soccer legend spent an hour at the Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital, while touring with his LA Galaxy team.

“It’s one of the best things I love to do,” he told NineMSN. "I’m an ambassador for UNICEF, and me and my wife have our own charities as well. Going to see the kids, going to see their smiles, giving them a smile, it’s something that I do believe heals and gives them that little bit of happiness. It was a good trip.

Latin Grammy Winners Fight Exploitation And Trafficking

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Nineteen-time Latin Grammy winners Calle 13 joined forces with UNICEF, MTV Latin America and Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más last week to launch the MTV EXIT (End Exploitation and Trafficking) campaign within Latin American and US Hispanic communities.

The multi-media campaign aims to reach Spanish-speaking youth in Latin America and the US to increase awareness and prevention around human trafficking and exploitation through creative content, digital media interaction, community events and opportunities for direct participation.

Lured by false promises offering opportunities for a better life, at least 550,000 children, adolescents and youth have become victims of trafficking in Latin America and the Caribbean; often forced into unsafe sexual practices and drug use, they are at a heightened risk of contracting HIV.

Rugby Legend Jonah Lomu Named As UNICEF Ambassador

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:50:00 +0000

All Blacks rugby legend Jonah Lomu has taken on an important new role as Ambassador for UNICEF in New Zealand.

Shakira Meets Adolescent Girls In India

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Shakira has met with a group of adolescent girls from impoverished parts of India to discuss the importance of educating and empowering girls to break the cycle of poverty and inequity – nationally and globally.

The singer and global education advocate met the group of adolescent girls associated with the KGBV (Kasturba Gandhi Ballika vidalaya) residential educational programme in Udaipur, Rajasthan, who come from areas where the literacy level is around 5 per cent for women and some 20 per cent for men.

“My interaction with these adolescent girls was energizing and inspiring,” said Shakira. “It only reminded me, once again, that girls are a precious resource of intellectual and physical ability – a resource that can help to further society. They need the chance to be educated and empowered.”

Mia Farrow And Queen Noor Honored For Humanitarian Work

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:30:00 +0000

The Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists honored Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan and actress Mia Farrow with their Inspiration Awards for their work on humanitarian, human rights and peace issues at the United Nations in New York last week.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow speaks at the Dag Hammarskjöld Fund for Journalists Inspiration Award luncheon at United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Photo: UNICEF/NYHQ2011-1749/Markisz

Roger Moore Praises William And Kate's Charity Work

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Screen legend Sir Roger Moore met with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their visit to a UNICEF supply centre in Denmark last week, and has lavished praise on the royal couple for their charity work.

The royals were in Copenhagen to help draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in East Africa by packing boxes for famine-affected people.

“They are both very interested in East Africa, it’s so close to their hearts,” Sir Roger was reported as saying. “It was just reiterating their passion for this cause – and I think it must be a passion, otherwise the royals wouldn’t just give up a day of their very busy lives and the high demands there are on them for attending all sorts of functions… and that’s apart from the RAF duties of the Duke.”

Uma Thurman And Geena Davis Film PSAs For USAID

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:45:00 +0000

In response to the drought and famine in the Horn of Africa, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is joining the Ad Council to launch a national public awareness campaign featuring Uma Thurman and Geena Davis.

The campaign encourages Americans to spread awareness of the crisis, support the humanitarian organizations conducting the relief operations, and learn more about the solutions through President Obama’s Feed the Future initiative. The campaign is titled FWD, or famine, war and drought, which is an acronym for the three crises affecting the Horn.

Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Visit UNICEF In Copenhagen

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +0000

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a special visit to the UNICEF global supply centre in Copenhagen today to help maintain the world’s attention on the humanitarian crisis in East Africa, which has left more than 320,000 children so severely malnourished that they are at imminent risk of death unless they get urgent help.

UNICEF’s supply centre includes a warehouse the size of three football pitches where essential supplies for children around the globe are sourced, packed and distributed. These include food, water, special nutritional supplies for the most malnourished children, vaccines, education materials and emergency medical kits.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were accompanied on the visit by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark. Their Royal Highnesses arrived at UNICEF’s Supply Centre in Copenhagen’s Freeport at 2:30pm and were welcomed by Shanelle Hall, Director of UNICEF’s Supply Centre. The Duchess and Crown Princess were given flowers by Amanda Kofoed and Maryam Abdullah, both 10 years old, who are children of UNICEF staff.

Angélique Kidjo Visits Children's Hospital In Mexico

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

On her recent tour of the Iztapalapa Paediatric Hospital in Mexico City, internationally acclaimed singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Angélique Kidjo swept through corridors, scooping children into her arms, delighting patients and parents alike.

It was a joyful scene in the grimmest of places: a ward specializing in the treatment of child victims of violence and sexual abuse. Yet an innovative program known as SAPII – an acronym of its Spanish name, ’Sistema de Atención y Protección Integral a la Infancia ’ – genuinely merits celebration.

Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge To Put Spotlight On East African Crisis

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 19:00:00 +0000

On Wednesday 2 November 2011, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be making a special visit to the UNICEF Emergency Supply Center in Copenhagen, to help put the global spotlight back onto the humanitarian crisis in East Africa.

Right now, children across East Africa are facing a desperate crisis caused by drought, high food prices and ongoing conflict in Somalia. Over 320,000 children are so severely malnourished that they are at imminent risk of starving to death without urgent help.

UNICEF’s Supply Center has a warehouse the size of three football pitches. It sources, packs and distributes essential supplies for children around the globe, including food, water, special nutritional supplies for the most malnourished children, vaccines and emergency medical kits.

UNICEF Honors Sting And Trudie Styler With Children's Champion Award

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0000

On Thursday, October 20 the U.S. Fund for UNICEF presented Sting and UNICEF UK Ambassador Trudie Styler with its annual Children’s Champion Award.

This year’s award recipients were honored for their commitment to improving children’s lives and the environment. The evening’s celebration was a fundraising event co-chaired by Alli and Bill Achtmeyer, Barrie and Kevin Landry, and Elaine and Bobby Sager that brought in a record $1.15 million for UNICEF’s global child survival programs.

Sting and Styler, a UK UNICEF Ambassador since 2004, strive to make a difference for children around the world and protect the environment through numerous public efforts. From raising funds and awareness for the UNICEF End Child Exploitation and United Against AIDS campaigns to visiting tsunami-affected Sri Lanka in solidarity with those affected by the devastating disaster, Styler has been a leading voice on behalf of some of the poorest and most vulnerable children on earth. In November 2005, she received the highest accolade bestowed on a UNICEF Ambassador—the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award—for her commitment to the world’s children.

Alicia Keys To Honor George Harrison At Celebrity Charity Concert

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Alicia Keys will host her annual Black Ball for charity in New York next month, in honor of former Beatle George Harrison.

Keys’ charity, Keep A Child Alive, will benefit from the concert, which will feature appearances by Usher, Norah Jones, will.i.am and Mary J. Blige, as well as Gary Clark Jr., Jay Sean, Midival Punditz with Karsh Kale and Alicia Keys herself.

This year marks the fortieth anniversary of George Harrison’s Concert For Bangladesh, the first time artists came together for a concert to benefit single cause. Today, the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF is a joint undertaking between the Harrison family and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support UNICEF programs that provide lifesaving assistance to children, including health, education, nutrition and emergency relief. In the tradition established by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF continues to support UNICEF programs in Bangladesh while expanding its influence to include other countries where children are in need.