Pharrell Williams is named a UNESCO goodwill ambassador

PARIS (AP):

Pop star and fashion designer Pharrell Williams was named the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) goodwill ambassador for artistic education and entrepreneurship on Tuesday in Paris, continuing his cultural dominance of the French capital as Louis Vuitton menswear artistic director and performer at Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening earlier this month.

Williams said he hoped to “deepen that sense of unity and togetherness” in work that “evens the odds for marginalised communities”.

He also spoke of his impoverished youth: “Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this one.”

The role of goodwill ambassador for the Paris-based UN cultural agency involves promoting its initiatives that include protecting Indigenous cultures, advancing education and healthcare for women, raising awareness about genocide prevention, and safeguarding cultural heritage.

Williams joins a list of goodwill ambassadors that includes US jazz musician Herbie Hancock, Brazilian artist Vik Muniz and Japanese film-maker Naomi Kawase.

Williams has been particularly visible in Paris this year. Shortly before the Paris Olympics, his role as Louis Vuitton menswear designer took centre stage during a star-studded event at UNESCO’s headquarters. The show, celebrating the beauty of human skin, featured models wearing garments in shades representing the diverse hues of humanity.

UNESCO leaders hope that Williams’ global influence and deep connections to fashion and music will draw fresh attention to the agency’s work.

Williams is American, and his selection as goodwill ambassador may also be highlighting the readmission of the United States to UNESCO last year.

The US exit under President Donald Trump cited alleged anti-Israel bias within the agency. The decision followed a 2011 decision by UNESCO to include Palestine as a member state, which led the US and Israel to cease financing for the agency.

The US return under President Joe Biden was marked by a flag-raising ceremony attended by US First Lady Jill Biden.