Pharrell Williams Named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Education
Super-producer and fashion designer Pharrell Williams has been appointed as UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador for Artistic Education and Entrepreneurship.
As part of his new role, the “Happy” songwriter will advocate for UNESCO's initiatives, including the protection of Indigenous cultures, enhancement of education and healthcare for women, genocide prevention awareness, and the safeguarding of cultural heritage.
During the ceremony, held on December 17, 2024, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the Virginia native expressed a desire to “deepen that sense of unity and togetherness” and to work towards “evening the odds for marginalized communities.”
The U.N. agency stated that Williams will be “a mentor and role model for young creators, particularly in Africa, where UNESCO supports the development of cultural industries.”
Williams joins a distinguished list of goodwill ambassadors, including U.S. jazz musician Herbie Hancock.
This latest announcement also highlights the United States' readmission to UNESCO last year. The country had exited under President Donald Trump, citing alleged anti-Israel bias within the agency, but returned under President Joe Biden.
