At a Paris ceremony, Pharrell Williams was named UNESCO’s goodwill ambassador for arts, education, and entrepreneurship, honoring his commitment to cultural initiatives, youth empowerment, and creative industries, marking a new chapter in his advocacy for marginalized communities worldwide.
Pharrell Williams, global pop and fashion icon, was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for arts, education, and entrepreneurship during a ceremony held Tuesday at the United Nations organization’s headquarters in Paris.
In an official statement, Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO's Director-General, praised Williams as a "complete artist" and a "humanist who uses culture to promote peace and empower youth worldwide," adding that his "commitments align perfectly with UNESCO’s mission."
In his new role, Williams "will amplify UNESCO’s voice at major international cultural events and support the organization’s educational and cultural programs implemented across the globe," the statement continued.
"He will continue mentoring and serving as a role model for young creators, particularly in Africa, where UNESCO promotes the growth of cultural industries," it further highlighted.
Since 2008, Pharrell Williams, 51, has been actively involved in several non-profits, including Yellow, which he founded to focus on educating marginalized communities, and Black Ambition, an incubator supporting Black and Latino entrepreneurs in tech, design, health, and consumer goods sectors.
Williams expressed that he felt "honored to be chosen" by UNESCO and eager to "continue this work" within the organization.
A multidisciplinary American artist, Pharrell Williams has been increasingly present in France in recent years. Since 2023, he has served as Men’s Creative Director at Louis Vuitton, the flagship brand of Bernard Arnault’s luxury group, LVMH.
On December 7, he performed on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral for its reopening ceremony, delivering his global hit Happy alongside 70 gospel singers.
Pharrell Williams was also among the personalities chosen to carry the Olympic torch ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, for which LVMH is a major sponsor.
In June, Pharrell Williams selected UNESCO’s Paris headquarters as the venue for his fourth runway show for Louis Vuitton.
With AFP
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