In celebration of the World Humanitarian Day’s tenth anniversary, the United Nations are honoring the 250,000 women aid workers who provide life-changing support to innocent lives in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Appointed by the United Nations Funds, Goodwill Ambassadors are leaders in the entertainment industry; film, music, television, and sports. Celebrities in the Middle East have used their talent and fame towards good causes which ultimately help the community. Here are five Middle Eastern celebrities you didn’t know were also UN Goodwill Ambassadors.
Nancy Ajram
Nancy Ajram. Courtesy of UNICEF
Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram was titled the second Goodwill ambassador by the United Nations Children’s Fund for the MENA Region in October 2009. With her 21 million followers on Instagram, Ajram works towards helping young children in developing countries whose lives are at risk. Ajram is one of the two regional ambassadors who raise awareness and uses her popularity to direct global attention towards children’s issues.
Yousra
Yousra. Photo: UNAIDS
Renowned Egyptian actress Yousra was named a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador by the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and Aids for the Middle East and North Africa in 2016. Joining Naomi Watts and Victoria Beckham, Yousra uses her fame to raise awareness about the disease as well as support and help people who face discrimination because of HIV and AIDS.
Majida El Roumi
Majida El Roumi. Instagram @majidaelroumi
Lebanese soprano Majida El Roumi began her career at the age of 16. In 2001, she was appointed an ambassador for UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization. The FAO is another branch of the United Nations and intends to highlight the issue of world hunger as well as work towards a zero hunger future.
Tuba Büyüküstün
Tuba Büyüküstün. Photo: UNICEF
Since 2014, Turkish actress Tuba Büyüküstün has been a UNICEF National Ambassador and a role model for children across the region. The Lamees actress has visited Syrian girls, who haven’t received proper education but are provided with informal learning and life skills, at refugee camps in Jordan by UNICEF.
Donia Samir Ghanem
Donia Samir Ghanem. Photo: UNICEF
Egyptian singer Donia Samir Ghanem was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2017. Her role includes assisting the children of Egypt, ending violence against kids, and promoting the significance of early childhood development. A mother and a popular influence in the region, Ghanem used her social media platforms to raise funds for the global UNICEF campaign “A Child is A Child,” a website dedicated to save and change children refugee’s lives.
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