Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour steps down as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour steps down as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Youssou N’Dour. Photo: Thesupermat
Renowned Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour has temporarily stepped down from his role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as he embarks on campaigning as a candidate in his country’s presidential elections, the agency has reported.
According to UNICEF policy, politicians or those seeking public office cannot serve as Goodwill Ambassadors for the organization, the agency said in a statement issued yesterday.
The agency expressed its gratitude to Mr. N’Dour for his involvement in UNICEF’s work, most recently his meeting with children in the Dadaab refugee camps in north-eastern Kenya in September, when he heard heart-rending stories of suffering from some of the hundreds of thousands of people who sought assistance in the camps after fleeing famine, drought and insecurity in Somalia.
“UNICEF thanks him for his over 20 years of service in making a real difference in children’s lives around the world,” the agency said.
Mr. N’Dour was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1991. “I want to use my voice to break the silence of suffering children,” he said on his appointment.
He provided support to UNICEF’s efforts, especially in Africa, where prior to becoming a Goodwill Ambassador he was already helping to promote immunization campaigns in Senegal. On the year of his appointment, Mr. N’Dour attended the first symposium of the Organization African Artists and Intellectuals for Child Survival and Development, set up by UNICEF.
As a committed anti-malaria activist, he also created Senegal Surround Sound, an initiative that combines the influence and power of the entertainment industry, media, marketing and political assets to reach individuals and communities with anti-malaria education and activities.
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Youssou N’Dour steps down as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
NEW YORK, 5 January 2012 – 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.
UNICEF thanks him for his over 20 years of service in making a real difference in children’s lives around the world.
Mr. N’Dour was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador on 3 April 1991. “I want to use my voice to break the silence of suffering children,” he said following his appointment.
He provided invaluable support to UNICEF’s efforts, especially in Africa, where prior to becoming a Goodwill Ambassador he helped promote an immunization campaign in Senegal. That same year, he attended the first symposium of the organization African Artists and Intellectuals for Child Survival and Development, set up by UNICEF.
As a long time anti-malaria activist, he created Senegal Surround Sound, an innovative initiative that combines the influence and power of the entertainment industry, media, marketing and political assets to reach individuals and communities with malaria education and activities.
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About United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org
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> United Nations (UN).
The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN: membership totals 192 countries.
When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes:
- to maintain international peace and security;
- to develop friendly relations among nations;
- to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
- and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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* The above story is adapted from materials provided by United Nations (UN)
** More information at United Nations (UN)
