United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan has appointed acclaimed actor Fawad Khan as its National Goodwill Ambassador, stated a press release.
UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Its Goodwill Ambassadors are inspirational individuals who serve as spokespersons to uphold the United Nations Charter and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The launching ceremony took place in Islamabad, where UNDP Pakistan’s Resident Representative Mr. Knut Ostby, Deputy Resident Representative Ms. Aliona Niculita, Head of Communications Unit Ms. Ayesha Babar, and UNDP’s young beneficiaries working as green social entrepreneurs were part of the event.
The ceremony started with the contract signing between Mr. Knut Ostby and Khan, followed by the screening of a climate action advocacy film ‘Don’t Choose Extinction’. The film, launched by the UNDP Headquarters during COP26, advocates for phasing out fossil fuels for a more sustainable and equitable future.
To reach a wider population and to raise awareness on the issue of climate change in Pakistan, Khan has done the voice-over of the film in Urdu.
“We are incredibly proud to have Fawad Khan as our Goodwill Ambassador. As you all know, climate change is one of the most serious and immediate risks we’re facing. I appreciate that as a spokesperson for Agenda 2030, Fawad Khan’s first advocacy support highlights climate action,” remarked UNDP Pakistan’s Resident Representative, Mr. Knut Ostby.
Fawad Khan speaks to the audience
“I am honored to be signed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP Pakistan,” commented Khan while speaking to the audience of green ambassadors and social entrepreneurs.
“I truly believe that the Sustainable Development Goals provide us with a roadmap for peace and prosperity, for people and the planet,” the actor added. “This is an exciting opportunity for me to raise awareness and advocate the Agenda 2030.”
The event concluded with a conversation with the green ambassadors and start-ups on UNDP’s role in climate action in Pakistan, and how UNDP is amplifying young people’s voices in decisions on climate action.
On the work front, Khan will next be seen in Ms. Marvel – a story of the first-ever Pakistani-American Muslim superhero. Following the success Khan earned with his hits in India, the acclaimed actor is reportedly buckling up to make his Hollywood debut as he enters the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Pakistan’s National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) earlier appointed actor Ahsan Khan as their goodwill ambassador. Established in 2020, NCRC seeks to “enforce its mandate for comprehensive legislative, institutional and social reforms on child rights” in order to create a “protective society for children”.
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