UNESCO Appoints Four International Personalities as Goodwill Ambassadors to Promote Education, Culture, and Innovation
The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, announced the appointment of four international figures as Goodwill Ambassadors for the organization.
The newly appointed ambassadors are Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi (United Arab Emirates), Mexican actor and director Gael García Bernal, Ivorian businessman Ibrahim Magassa, and Greek entrepreneur Konstantza Spouko-Konstantakopoulo, according to a statement from UNESCO.
Azoulay stated, “These personalities embody the diversity of talents and paths that enrich UNESCO’s work,” adding that “through their influence, creativity, and commitment, these ambassadors will help convey the organization’s messages to civil society, particularly to youth, creatives, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs.”
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for Education and the Culture of Reading. She is the President of the American University in Sharjah and a former President of the International Publishers Association. She works to promote a culture of reading and publishing while supporting youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Hailing from Sharjah, which was named “World Book Capital” by UNESCO in 2019, she will lend her expertise to the organization’s cultural and educational programs.
Gael García Bernal, the actor, director, and producer, has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for Culture and Arts Education. He is one of the founders of the NGO “Ambulante,” which promotes documentary film as a tool for social and cultural change, aiming to make it accessible to a wider audience.
Ibrahim Magassa, the banker and philanthropist from Ivory Coast, has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Africa Priority. He heads an investment bank specializing in funding strategic projects and benefited from UNESCO’s educational programs in his youth. He aims to enhance educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for African youth in modern technology.
Greek architect and entrepreneur Konstantza Spouko-Konstantakopoulo has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the Protection and Promotion of Culture. She is the President of Endeavor Greece, where she places creativity and innovation at the heart of sustainable development and works to protect cultural heritage in the Mediterranean region.
These appointments come as part of UNESCO’s efforts to enhance its presence among youth, artists, and economic actors, with the goal of supporting education, culture, and innovation worldwide.
