Priyanka Chopra appointed UNICEF's Global Goodwill Ambassador

Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra has been appointed as UNICEF's newest global Goodwill Ambassador.

United Nations, Dec 13: Actress Priyanka Chopra, appointed as UNICEF's newest global Goodwill Ambassador, urged people from across nations to become the "collective voice" of oppressed children in the world and join forces to leave a better future for the coming generations.

Footballer David Beckham and 12-year-old British actress Millie Bobby Brown announced Chopra's appointment as UNICEF's newest global Goodwill Ambassador at a star-studded celebration here late last night to commemorate 70 years of the world body's children's agency.

"My wish for children is freedom. The freedom to think, the freedom to live," Chopra said, addressing top UN diplomats, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors and children at the event.

She said while man has made unprecedented advancements in every sphere of life, children across the world remain unprotected from violence, abuse and exploitation.

"I, we ask you to join us today to become the collective voice of the oppressed children across the world in our fight against the injustices that they have to endure everyday," she said.

Chopra lauded decades of efforts by UNICEF on shining the light on children and bringing awareness that "we are seriously endangering our future, which is our children. "...Let's choose humanity, let's choose to act now, let's choose to fight now and let's choose to ensure a better world for our children, their children and the generations to come," Chopra said.

The "Quantico" star was joined by UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors Ishmael Beah, Beckham, actors Orlando Bloom and Jackie Chan at the event that celebrated UNICEF's 70 years of work for children.

Chopra said her involvement with UNICEF began almost 10 years ago in India and she was "humbled, enriched and committed" as she takes on her new role of the agency's global Goodwill Ambassador.

"Along this decade old journey, with UNICEF, I have been on many field trips to villages and centers across India. On those trips, I spent time with numerous young girls and their families and experienced firsthand the transformative power of empowering young girls with opportunities that are rightfully theirs.

"Together, with my fellow, dedicated ambassadors, I am now proud to stand with UNICEF to help build a world where children's rights are respected and protected," she said.

PTI