Khaby Lame Named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Championing Children’s Rights

Khaby Lame, the global content creator and social media sensation, has been appointed as UNICEF’s newest Goodwill Ambassador. This announcement was made during a heartfelt event in his birth country, Senegal, following a transformative four-day visit where he engaged with children and young people who are making significant strides in their communities.

“It’s a true honor to be appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and be part of an organization that puts children’s rights front and centre every day,” Khaby Lame expressed in a heartfelt statement. His journey from a young boy who feared the harsh realities of poverty, struggled to find passion in school, losing his job during Covid -19 pandemic, to becoming a global influencer . Believing that when children are given the right opportunities, they will thrive.

As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Khaby Lame through his platform will raise awareness of children’s right around the world. Education, training, empowering girls, and advocating for protection from violence and abuse. Ensuring that every child has access to health, nutrition, and a clean environment—fundamental rights that are often overlooked in many parts of the world.

UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, welcomed Khaby Lame to the UNICEF family. ” His ability to connect with millions of people through humor can serve as a powerful tool in advocacy. By engaging younger audiences in a relatable way, he can inspire more young people to take action.

During his visit in Senegal , Khaby Lame met with street-connected children at a shelter in Dakar, where he engaged in playing sports and listening to the stories of many children who had fled violence, abuse, and exploitation. He also visited an inclusive school in Ziguinchor, located in the Casamance region, where children with disabilities have access to assistive technology that enables them to learn and thrive. He made a significant impact in Kolda, a region that borders The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Where, he participated in a workshop aimed at teaching out-of-school girls essential skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), leadership and innovative skills.
The workshops, led by an association of over 3,500 young female leaders aged 10 – 24, who are also working in their communities to promote girls’ education and combat gender-based violence.

His visit to the Children’s Municipal Council of Sédhiou, a network of children across Senegal who are elected by their peers to engage with local authorities. By participating in discussions about pressing issues affecting children’s lives. In a symbolic gesture of hope and commitment to the environment, Khaby Lame joined the group in planting trees in the mangroves– a project to help fight the impact of climate change – and add his voice to their movement for climate action.

“During my time in Senegal with UNICEF, I’ve met many young people who are standing up in their communities and making a change – be it learning technology skills, finding solutions for climate change, or empowering each other. I’m excited to meet many more young leaders and innovators in my new role with UNICEF ,” he shared.

UNICEF, has a long history of enlisting high-profile ambassadors to advocate for children’s rights and welfare. Khaby Lame joins an illustrious list of current Goodwill Ambassadors, including global icons like; Ishmael Beah, David Beckham, Orlando Bloom, Millie Bobby Brown, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Danny Glover, Angelique Kidjo, Ricky Martin, Leo Messi, Vanessa Nakate, Liam Neeson, Katy Perry, and Shakira.

As Khaby Lame embarks on this new chapter as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he remains committed to using his platform to champion a good cause.