Pharrell Williams can add another honor to his ever-expanding list of accomplishments as a newly appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
In his new role, Pharrell will “carry UNESCO’s voice at major international cultural events.” Also, he’ll give support to educational and cultural programs around the world.
Additionally a mentor and role model for young creators, particularly in Africa, where UNESCO supports the development of cultural industries.
Pharrell also spoke to 800 secondary school students and fashion, music, and film students at the UNESCO Headquarters. They all were invited for a screening of his animated biopic Piece by Piece.
In a statement, Pharrell expressed his gratitude for the appointment.
“Words cannot describe how I feel about being chose by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador.Thank you to Director-General Audrey Azoulay for this opportunity. It’s an honor to continue our work in evening the odds for children and adults through education with YELLOW and Black Ambition,” Pharrell said.
“Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this one,” he continued.
He also said that he wanted to “deepen that sense of unity and togetherness” by doing work that “evens the odds for marginalized communities.”
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, lauded Pharrell’s accomplishments in an official statement.
“A complete artist, Pharrell Williams is also a humanist. He works to put culture at the service of peace and bringing people together. He believes in the power of creativity and education to build a better future. His commitments resonate with UNESCO’s mandate,” Azoulay said.
Pharrell has close ties with UNESCO. In June, he chose the organization’s Paris Headquarters for his fourth fashion show as Men’s Creative Director of Louis Vuitton, entitled ‘The World is Yours’.
Established in 1945, and with 194 Member States, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. The organization “contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information.”
Pharrell will join other ambassadors including other goodwill ambassadors including jazz legend Herbie Hancock and K-pop group Seventeen.
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