United Nations Messengers of Peace facts for kids
The United Nations Messenger of Peace is a special title given by the United Nations (UN). It's given to famous people from areas like art, music, books, and sports. These people agree to help the UN share its important work with the whole world.
Messengers are usually chosen for three years. But some, like Michael Douglas, Jane Goodall, and Yo-Yo Ma, have been Messengers for over ten years!
The idea for Messengers of Peace started in 1997. It was added to a system the UN already had, which included goodwill ambassadors and honorary ambassadors. These other ambassadors have been helping different parts of the UN since 1954. For example, UNICEF chose Danny Kaye as its first goodwill ambassador back then.
While goodwill ambassadors usually promote just one part of the UN, Messengers of Peace promote the UN's work in general. They are chosen directly by the main leader of the UN, called the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Who are the Current Messengers of Peace?
These are the amazing people who are currently helping the UN as Messengers of Peace:
- Michael Douglas - chosen in 1998
- Jane Goodall - chosen in 2002
- Yo-Yo Ma - chosen in 2006
- Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein - chosen in 2007
- Daniel Barenboim - chosen in 2007
- Paulo Coelho - chosen in 2007
- Midori Goto - chosen in 2007
- Charlize Theron - chosen in 2008
- Stevie Wonder - chosen in 2009
- Edward Norton - chosen in 2010
- Lang Lang - chosen in 2013
- Leonardo DiCaprio - chosen in 2014
- Scott Kelly - chosen in 2016
- Malala Yousafzai – chosen in 2017
Who Were Past Messengers of Peace?
Many other famous people have also served as Messengers of Peace in the past:
- Enrico Macias - chosen in 1997
- Elie Wiesel - chosen in 1998
- Muhammad Ali - chosen in 1998
- Anna Cataldi - chosen in 1998
- Luciano Pavarotti - chosen in 1998
- Vijay Amritraj - chosen in 2001
- Wynton Marsalis - chosen in 2001
- George Clooney - chosen in 2008
- Wangari Maathai - chosen in 2009
