American rapper and songwriter Pharrell Williams has received a high-profile honor of his life and career as he has been named UNESCO’s goodwill ambassador for artistic education and entrepreneurship.
Williams was honored during a ceremony held in Paris on Tuesday the 17th of December.
Promoting initiatives including the protection of indigenous cultures, the advancement of education and health care for women and raising awareness about genocide prevention and safeguarding cultural heritage are the new roles of the new ambassador.
Receiving the honor while nodding to his improvised youth, the 51-year-old artist said ”“Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this one,” He added that by taking up the role he hoped to “deepen that sense of unity and togetherness” by doing work that “evens the odds for marginalized communities.”
UNESCO general director Audrey Azoulay in a press statement called Williams a “complete artist [who is] also a humanist who 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. I am delighted that he is joining UNESCO’s family of Goodwill Ambassadors today to support our action.”
Williams joins other goodwill ambassadors including K-pop group Seventeen and jazz great Herbie Hancock, among others. According to UNESCO, the rapper will serve as a “mentor and role model for young creators, particularly in Africa, where UNESCO supports the development of cultural industries.
Williams spoke to 800 secondary school students and fashion, music and films students at UNESCO headquarters at a screening of his LEGO biopic Piece by Piece to celebrate his nomination. “Words cannot describe how I feel about being chose by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador,” said Louis Vuitton menswear designer Williams, who chose the UNESCO HQ for the setting of his June fashion show for the iconic French fashion house.
