Bollywood star to focus on child nutrition in new role as UNICEF ambassador

Mr. Khan, 46, will use his profile to spotlight nutrition issues in India, where as many as one out of every two children is classified as malnourished, leaving them vulnerable to disease and health problems.

“I realize there is a lot to be done and I hope that by lending my voice I can make a difference to the lives of children and hereby to the future of our country,” Mr. Khan said after the appointment was announced in New Delhi, the capital.

The ambassador – who has already been working with UNICEF, the Government and prominent figures to create a national campaign on malnutrition – said he will focus his advocacy work on India’s most vulnerable and marginalized children.

Karin Hulshof, UNICEF’s representative in India, described Mr. Khan as a “compelling advocate” who can help to transform the lives of countless children.

“His voice and unwavering commitment will help to reach every child, irrespective of their background, caste or religion. India is a rising power on the world stage. And yet, so many rights and entitlements of children remain to be fulfilled.”

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Actor and producer Aamir Khan appointed UNICEF Ambassador

NEW DELHI, India

30 November 2011 — UNICEF is delighted to announce the appointment of the Padma Bhushan award-winning actor and producer Aamir Khan, as its Ambassador promoting nutrition for children.

In his new role, Aamir Khan will participate actively to create a better life for millions of children in India. As a representative of UNICEF, Aamir Khan will build on his personal interest in children’s issues to support UNICEF’s mission to ensure that every child in this country survives and thrives.

“I am honored to formalize my association with UNICEF as their Ambassador to help raise awareness on the issue of malnutrition amongst children.” said Aamir Khan at today’s signing ceremony in Delhi. “Over the past one year, I have worked with the team at UNICEF, partners from the Government, Citizen’s alliance and Prasoon Joshi’s and his team, to create a nationwide campaign against Malnutrition.”

In India, one out every two children is malnourished, leaving them vulnerable to poor health and disease, particularly children from the country’s most remote and disadvantaged communities.

“I realize there is a lot to be done and I hope that by lending my voice I can make a difference to the lives of children and hereby to the future of our country. Partnering with UNICEF will enable me to advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and marginalized children in India.” He added.

Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development Mr. D. K Sikri and UNICEF Representative in India, Karin Hulshof both welcomed the appointment.

“We know Aamir Khan as a leading star of Indian cinema. He is also a compelling advocate, with an enormous drive and commitment, to transform and improve the situation of children in the country. ” Ms. Hulshof said.

“I cannot stress enough how fortunate we are to welcome him into the UNICEF family in India. His voice and unwavering commitment will help to reach every child, irrespective of their background, caste or religion. India is a rising power on the world stage. And yet, so many rights and entitlements of children remain to be fulfilled.  Working side by side, we will address this and combine our collective efforts to create a world fit for children.” She added.

UNICEF Ambassadors are celebrities with a demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of children. Highly talented in their individual right, they all share an ability to bring children’s issues to attention, to galvanize support from the public and lead decision makers and to raise
urgently needed funds for vital UNICEF programmes.

About UNICEF
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org

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> United Nations (UN).

The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN: membership totals 192 countries.

When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes:

• to maintain international peace and security;
• to develop friendly relations among nations;
• to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
• and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.

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* The above story is adapted from materials provided by United Nations (UN)
** More information at United Nations (UN)