2010

United NationsEducational, Scientific and

Cultural Organization

Programme of unesco eminentPersonalities

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the UNeSCO emiNeNt PerSONalitieS BrOChUre 2010

UNESCO Eminent Personalities spread the ideals of the Organization through their name and fame. UNESCO’s work and mission are extended and amplified by these outstanding groups of personalities:

• Goodwill Ambassadors

• Special Envoys

• The UNESCO Honorary Ambassador for the Decade of Literacy

• Artists for Peace

• Champions for Sport

They have all generously accepted to use their talent and status to help focus the world’s attention on the work of our Organization.

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UNeSCO

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, was established on 16 November 1945. It has its headquarters in Paris, France, and offices in different parts of the world. The main objective of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for human rights and fundamental freedoms, which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations.

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message from irina Bokova, Director-General of UNeSCO

To shape a new era of peace and humanism is the overriding ambition of my mandate. Since taking office in October 2009, I have travelled across the world to share UNESCO’s vision with heads of state and government, intellectuals, scientists, artists, students, journalists and others. As we work our way

out of a deep financial crisis, there is widespread conviction that more inclusive, fair and peaceful societies require new ethical foundations. The most sustainable way to build peace today is to ensure access to quality education for all, to support scientific innovations that benefit humanity, to promote respect for cultural diversity, freedom of expression and media pluralism. Today’s tensions can only be resolved through dialogue rooted in respect for the equal dignity of all human beings and cultures.

Our mission is broad but I am convinced that we gain from embracing a perspective that views peace through the lens of education, science, culture and communications. As our Eminent Personalities, your outstanding careers encompass this humanist vision. Few organizations can claim to have such an impressive spectrum of eminent personalities serving their cause – first-class musicians and singers, fashion designers, artists, scientists, environmentalists and other voices of influence. You have not only excelled in your own field, but shared your time and passion to better the lives of children, youth and adults, to open minds and increase opportunity. You have given hope by supporting UNESCO’s efforts to expand learning for the most marginalized, promote science, celebrate culture, advance women’s rights or prevent HIV and AIDS, to cite just a few examples. Through your commitment to mutual understanding, dialogue and universal human rights, you have been instrumental in sharing UNESCO’s messages across the world.

There is no better way to promote a cause than to serve as an example. I am grateful to each one of you for sharing your talent and vision because it is the only way we will succeed in reaching broad audiences, in creating a genuine peace

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dynamic in our globalized, multicultural societies. As we tackle global challenges that affect our common future, our Organization will be relying on you more closely than ever to advance our fundamental objective: to build the defences of peace in the minds of people. There are a myriad of channels for achieving this, and I am confident that you will take every opportunity to stand by us in the endeavour.

Irina Bokova

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Basma irsheid, Chief of Programme of UNeSCO eminent Personalities and arab Funding Sources

At UNESCO we strive every day to create a world where peace and justice prevail in the minds of men, where people see and treasure the beauty of diversity and preserve the riches that make up our common global heritage. Seeing humanity as one, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, we seek

to ensure universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms throughout the world, enabling people everywhere to live a life of dignity. We work to sow the seeds of peace and justice through collaboration among nations in education, science, culture and communication.

UNESCO’s action is extended and amplified by an outstanding group of Eminent Personalities who have generously accepted to use their talent and status to help focus the world’s attention on the work of our Organization. These special people, our UNESCO Eminent Personalities, hail from all corners of the world and from the most diverse personal and professional backgrounds. Yet there is a bond that links these personalities - it is their conviction that each and every one of us carries the responsibility of solidarity and has the power to take action to improve the state of our common world. They are united by this goal of taking the message of UNESCO to the hearts and minds of people everywhere in defense of the ideals of peace, justice, solidarity and mutual understanding.

Victor Hugo said: “To love is to act”. Our Eminent Personalities act as UNESCO‘s flag-bearers for this love and concern for humanity that we should all share with a view to creating a better world for every one.

Basma Irsheid

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eDUCatiON

Education is one of UNESCO’s principal fields of activity. Since its founding in 1945, the Organization has worked to improve education worldwide, believing it to be the key to social and economic development.

The Organization aims to help build a sustainable world with just societies that value knowledge, promote peace, celebrate diversity and defend human rights, achieved by providing education for all (EFA).

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eDUCatiON

His Royal Highness Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz

His Royal Highness Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, UNESCO Special Envoy for Water, has dedicated his life and work to alleviating the suffering of the poor in the developing world, particularly women and children, and as a result

has been proclaimed one of the leading philanthropists in the world and one of the most distinguished Arab personalities. His Royal Highness has funded education projects for women and children in Yemen, Sudan, Nepal, Egypt, Lebanon, Kosovo, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zambia, Togo, Somalia, Iraq, Croatia, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Tajikistan, Peru, Sri Lanka, United Republic of Tanzania, Uganda and the Gaza Strip, among others. AGFUND has, to date, invested more than $25 million in 75 UNESCO projects in 87 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Arab States without discrimination on grounds of region, race or colour.

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser al Missned

Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser al Missned, Consort of the Emir of the State of Qatar, UNESCO Special Envoy for Basic and Higher Education, Chairperson of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community

Development and President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, has spearheaded activities and projects in basic and higher education in Qatar. Her Highness played an active role in setting up the Fund for Higher Education in Iraq and subsequently very generously donated a total of $26.6 million in 2009 to support the education systems in Iraq ($23.8 million) and in the Gaza Strip ($2.8 million).

Her Royal Highness Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands

Her Royal Highness Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, UNESCO Special Envoy on Literacy for Development, has focused her work on literacy for years, based on the conviction that literacy is a basic human right and a

precondition for a healthy, strong and durable society. Her Royal Highness was the keynote speaker at the Sixth International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI) in December 2009, which brought together UNESCO Member States, United Nations agencies, multilateral and bilateral cooperation agencies, civil society organizations, the private sector and learners from all over the world.

Laura Bush

As UNESCO Honorary Ambassador for United Nations Literacy Decade (UNLD), the former First Lady of the United States Laura Bush strives to mobilize international agencies and national governments to join forces

and dedicate resources to implement successful literacy activities. In 2006 Ms Bush announced a $1 million contribution to the Literacy Assessment and Monitoring Programme, developed by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, to gather quality data on literacy in developing countries through innovative new national household surveys. In September 2008, during the White House Symposium on Advancing Global Literacy which she hosted, the United States Government demonstrated its commitment to advancing global literacy worldwide by contributing over $2 million to the United Nations Literacy Decade Fund.

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eDUCatiON

Mehriban Aliyeva

An untiring promoter of UNESCO’s values and First Lady of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva’s charitable activities extend to the problems of early childhood through projects such as the modernization of an orphanage in

Azerbaijan as well as the provision of treatment for children suffering from diabetes. Ms Mehriban Aliyeva also hosted the fifth in a series of UNESCO Regional Conferences in Support of Global Literacy from 14 to 16 May 2008 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Conference brought together high-level decision-makers from 31 countries, the international community and experts such as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors Her Royal Highness Princess Firyal and Her Excellency Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. It addressed the literacy and adult education challenges specific to central, eastern and south-eastern Europe and developed recommendations on how to promote literacy.

Montserrat Caballé

International opera diva Montserrat Caballé has supported UNESCO’s education programmes by performing at such events as the Children in Need gala and the ceremony to award the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize to

the Nobel Peace Prize laureates Shimon Peres, the late Yasser Arafat and the late Yitzak Rabin.

Her Royal Highness the Princess of Hanover

Her Royal Highness the Princess of Hanover has concentrated mainly on UNESCO projects to promote education for all (EFA) through capacity-building for women in order to improve education for children in

rural areas in Burkina Faso. Her Royal Highness also made significant contributions to projects that focus on human rights, education and the fight against poverty through empowerment and literacy programmes for girls and women in Niger.

Her Royal Highness Princess Firyal of Jordan

Her Royal Highness Princess Firyal of Jordan, an international humanitarian and arts patron, was given the mission of promoting UNESCO’s education for all initiative through donations to UNESCO education projects and

participation in such summit events as the United Nations round table on education and health. Her Royal Highness also generously funded the UNESCO education project entitled “Provision of emergency secondary education in non-UNRWA schools” in Gaza.

Christine Hakim

The famous Indonesian actress and producer Christine Hakim promotes quality education through teacher-training in Indonesia and South-East Asia. On the occasion of the global launch of the One Million Safe Schools

and Hospitals Campaign in Manila in April 2010, Christine Hakim delivered a video message to express her support for the campaign and to raise public awareness for the need for safe schools, hospitals and health facilities.

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Bahia Hariri

As a dedicated champion of women’s rights, Bahia Hariri has been very active in the fields of culture and education and played a key part in promoting the education system in Lebanon and women’s rights in the Arab world.

Jean-Michel Jarre

The French pioneer and undisputed icon of electro-acoustic music Jean Michel Jarre started a world tour at the Palais Omnisport de Paris-Bercy in March 2010. Stops on this tour will include Bucharest, Kosice, Cardiff and

Rzeszów, and aim to promote UNESCO and raise awareness of climate change and education for all. In Paris, in front of 12,000 people, Jean Michel Jarre paid tribute to UNESCO and its Director-General, Ms Irina Bokova. He commended the Organization’s response to the Haitian crisis and its constant efforts in favour of education for all.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn contributes to the empowerment of minority children through projects in Thailand and Cambodia that aim, amongst other goals, to improve children’s learning

and skill development, teacher development and children’s health and nutrition.

Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg

Her Royal Highness Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg has a special interest in micro-credit grants and the education of girls and women all over the world. She has untiringly contributed to their empowerment and

helped them defend their rights by lending her support to projects such as micro-credit grants for the improvement of the living conditions of girls, women and their families in countries like Mali, Thailand and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her Royal Highness has generously donated to education projects in Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Pakistan to empower adolescent girls to become agents of social transformation.

Ute-Henriette Ohoven

The longstanding German humanitarian advocate Ute-Henriette Ohoven and Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher, fundraise regularly for the education of children in need and support education projects

in places such as Namibia, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Gaza Strip, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, United Republic of Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Ms Ohoven also funded the UNESCO project entitled “Empowering the Isolated and Marginalized Young People” in the Gaza Strip.

Lady Cristina Owen-Jones

Tireless campaigner Lady Owen-Jones supports projects for the education of young girls and the fight against AIDS in Cambodia, Africa and Lithuania in her capacity as Goodwill Ambassador for HIV/AIDS Prevention Education.

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His Excellency Sheikh Ghassan I. Shaker

The outstanding philanthropist, humanitarian, long-time supporter of UNESCO and Dean of the Goodwill Ambassadors, His Excellency Sheikh Ghassan I. Shaker donates to support projects for the education of women,

children and refugees in various countries such as Jordan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, Kosovo and Uganda.

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis

Greece’s indefatigable humanitarian campaigner Marianna V. Vardinoyannis has been working alongside UNESCO for several years through the Foundation for the Child and the Family. She has kindly funded several

UNESCO projects such as the project entitled “Empowering the Isolated and Marginalized Young People” in the Gaza Strip. She is also supporting education for all, through the “1Goal-Education for All” campaign, launched on the occasion of the Football World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

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NatUral SCieNCeS

The Natural Sciences Sector implements major international programmes designed to respond to the international goals and challenges of climate change, freshwater, gender equality, ecology, poverty eradication and sustainable development. UNESCO acts as an advocate for science and as a platform for sharing ideas and standard-setting, and it promotes dialogue between scientists and policy-makers.

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SCieNCeS eXaCteS et NatUrelleS

Patrick Baudry

Patrick Baudry, the most well-known French astronaut, has demonstrated his commitment in the service of young people by publishing several works on youth education and by organizing the European Space Camp

for Youth. This camp promotes respect for the Earth and the environment amongst youngsters. He also led a science workshop for girls in Mali: the Scientific and Technology Training Centre in Africa/Mali project.

Claudia Cardinale

The cinema icon Claudia Cardinale supported the natural sciences programmes by participating in the International Scientific Conference on Desertification and Drylands Research in Tunisia.

Cheick Modibo Diarra

A scientist of international repute, Cheick Modibo Diarra is considered “the pride of Mali”. Convinced that education is the key for development, he created Foundation Pathfinder which provides science education as a

solid base for sustainable development. With AGFUND, he implemented the Scientific and Technology Formation Centre in Africa/Mali project, aimed at transferring knowledge in order to equip a nucleus of talents with the skills to devise solutions appropriate to Africa.

Professor Jean Malaurie

The first European to reach the North Pole in May 1951, Professor Jean Malaurie has led more than 30 scientific expeditions that have taken him throughout the Great North from Greenland to Siberia. Professor

Malaurie participates in programmes concerned with polar issues and climate change, such as the International Panel “Climate Change and Indigenous Peoples: impacts and responses”. Professor Malaurie brought his considerable knowledge and experience to the expert meeting “Climate Change and Arctic Sustainable Development” organized by UNESCO in March 2009 with the support of His Serene Highness Prince Albert of Monaco.

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis, Greece’s tireless humanitarian campaigner, organized the International Conference on Climate Change and Challenges for the Future Generations.

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UNESCO’s Culture Sector aims to demonstrate the beneficial effects of cultural diversity, highlighting the importance of borrowings, transfers and exchanges between cultures, to protect and safeguard world heritage sites (such as the Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam in Afghanistan, the Iguazu National Park in Argentina, the Dja Faunal Reserve in Cameroon, the Rideau Canal in Canada and the Historic City of Trogir in Croatia) and to actively support the diversity of cultural expressions and the dialogue among cultures.

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Ivonne A-Baki

The recognized painter from Ecuador, Ivonne A-Baki, is committed to projects aimed at strengthening dialogue between cultures. As Goodwill Ambassador, she is making a significant contribution to 2010,

International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, notably through artistic activities.

Ara Abramian

As a distinguished supporter of civil society in Russia, Ara Abramian was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Dialogue among Civilizations and contributed to the celebration of the 300th anniversary of

the foundation of Saint Petersburg and to the Regional Forum on Dialogue among Civilizations.

Mehriban Aliyeva

Mehriban Aliyeva supports oral and musical traditions through, for example, the establishment of a Mugham Centre in Baku in order to promote the traditional classical music of Azerbaijan at the international level.

Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale supported UNESCO through her patronage of the event “Music for Dialogue and Reconciliation”, a benefit concert held in Venice’s La Fenice Theatre to support activities and projects related

to intercultural and interreligious dialogue and to the process of peace-building in south-eastern Europe.

Esther Coopersmith

Distinguished diplomat Esther Coopersmith is a longstanding advocate of women’s rights and cultural dialogue. She has undertaken various initiatives for the rapprochement of cultures in areas like

the Middle East, the former Soviet Union and Russia, Thailand and India. She is a member of the High Panel on Peace and Dialogue among Cultures which met for the first time on 18 February 2010 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, also marking the launch of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Miguel Angel Estrella

Miguel Angel Estrella, one of Argentina’s most prestigious classical pianists, campaigns unrelentingly to increase accessibility to music for some of the most marginalized groups in society. He is the founder of Music

Hope, a foundation that aims to defend human dignity and inspire communities by improving access to music for all people. The determination of Miguel Angel Estrella has helped raise funds for UNESCO’s programme to assist victims of Chernobyl in recovery. Miguel Angel Estrella was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador on 26 October 1989. The Orchestra for Peace, composed of young Arab andIsraeli musicians, was created by Mr Angel Estrella and has given concerts in France and Luxembourg to promote UNESCO’s ideals and objectives. In 2000 Miguel Angel Estrella received the Nansen Prize, the United Nations Prize for the Three Americas. His concerts are intended to promote dialogue and friendship between people of different cultures and religions, such as the one he held in Argentina for the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights.

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Her Excellency Vigdís Finnbogadóttir

The first woman in Europe to be elected Head of State, the former President of Iceland Her Excellency Vigdís Finnbogadóttir is an ardent defender of multilingual education and linguistic diversity. She sponsors the

Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity of the “Kihnu Cultural Space in Estonia”. She also took part in the High Panel on Peace and Dialogue among Cultures in connection with 2010, International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Jean-Michel Jarre

Jean Michel Jarre also defends world cultural heritage and tolerance through his concerts at such world heritage sites as the Acropolis of Athens, the Pyramids of Giza, Beijing, the Eiffel Tower, the London Docklands,

Hong Kong and Moscow.

Vitaly Ignatenko

Vitaly Ignatenko began his career as a reporter for Komsomolskaya Pravda, rising to the rank of First Deputy Chief Editor. He also supervised the Presidential Press Service from 1990-1991 and, from 1999, he is President

of the World Association of the Russian Language Press. In 2008 he was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his efforts to strengthen educational, scientific, cultural and information exchanges among all Russian language speakers, and his promotion of the Russian language and culture around the world. Vitaly Ignatenko contributes, through his actions, to the building of the capacities of the Russian language journalists and to the promotion of the free circulation of ideas in the Russian-speaking part of the world.

Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière

Famous French businessman Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière is an outstanding patron of the arts. He also strives, through his foundation “Culture et Diversité”, devoted to the safeguarding and promotion of

cultural heritage, in order to give disadvantaged young people access to artistic and cultural studies. He is a member of the High Panel on Peace and Dialogue among Cultures which met for the first time on 18 February 2010 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, on the occasion of the launch of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Ömer Zülfü Livaneli

Ömer Zülfü Livaneli is considered one of the outstanding figures in the cultural and artistic life of his native Turkey. Singer, composer, writer, conductor and film director, this multitalented artist has spread

UNESCO’s message of multiculturalism and tolerance since his 1996 designation. His songs are performed by renowned international stars and have been recorded by the prestigious London Symphony Orchestra. He uses his music as a vehicle to bring his message of peace, tolerance and international understanding to the hearts of his countless fans, supporting UNESCO to promote a culture of peace through music. His books, such as ‘Bliss’, stimulate awareness of social injustices and inspire readers to delve deeper into cultural understanding. Livaneli is one of the foremost advocates of Turkish-Greek friendship, giving concerts in both countries to promote good relations between these two neighbours.

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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn advocates the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage by taking part in such events as a teacher-training workshop on heritage management concepts for

teachers from Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Viet Nam.

His Excellency Sheikh Ghassan I. Shaker

His Excellency Sheikh Ghassan I. Shaker very generously supports intangible cultural heritage programmes such as the Cultural Space of the Boysun District in Uzbekistan and the Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliyya Epic in Egypt.

Zurab Tsereteli

The exceptional Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli is active in promoting cultural and artistic projects such as the exhibition of his works at UNESCO Headquarters to mark the 250th anniversary of the Russian Academy of Arts.

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis

Marianna V. Vardinoyannis also actively supported several UNESCO projects for the promotion of intercultural dialogue and the safeguarding of world heritage. She recently supported the inauguration of the new Acropolis

Museum in Athens, Greece.

Franghiz Ali-Zadeh

The music of the outstanding Azerbaijani pianist and composer, Franghiz Ali-Zadeh bridges such varied genres as medieval Mugham (a traditional musical form known in

Azerbaijan) and contemporary music. By blending these two influences, she has created a unique style of music. On the occasion of the celebration of UNESCO’s sixtieth anniversary in November 2005, Ms Ali-Zadeh performed at UNESCO Headquarters.

Amri Aminov

Amri Aminov, the famous Tajik sculptor and member of the Czech Arts Academy, has participated, through his work, in numerous international exhibitions in European capitals. Mr Aminov has worked with UNESCO

for a long time. He designed the UNESCO trophy for the “Special Prize of Cinema for a Culture of Peace” and the trophy “City for Peace”. At the moment Mr Aminov is working on the creation of a 62 metre-high monument for Hanoi, Viet Nam which was UNESCO’s “City of Peace” for 1999.

Relja Bašic

Famous Croatian film and theatre actor and director Relja Bašic founded the first Croatian professional touring company “Teatar u gostima” in 1974. Mr Bašic uses his remarkable film and theatre experience on behalf of the

cultural needs of minorities throughout south-eastern Europe and to help UNESCO promote collaborative cultural policies among south-eastern European countries.

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Dame Shirley Bassey

Legendary singer Dame Shirley Bassey has kindly put her international fame in the service of contributing to a better knowledge of UNESCO and assists in raising funds by performing at events such as the “Children in

Need” Gala, in which leading circles of the business and artistic community rally around the ideals of UNESCO and its education programmes.

Marisa Berenson

Acclaimed actress and model Marisa Berenson has been involved with UNESCO for many years by supporting the Education for Children in Need programme. In 2001, she created the UNESCO-Berry Berenson-Perkins Fund

in memory of her sister, who was tragically killed in the 11 September 2001 attack in New York. The fund supports UNESCO’s programme “The Power of Culture” which aims to bring help to young people affected by conflict and disaster.

Chico Bouchikhi

The international symbol of Gypsy music, Chico Bouchikhi, promotes culture and peace through his concerts, such as that marking the first anniversary of the Oslo Peace Agreement between Shimon Peres and

Yasser Arafat, and through his participation in such events as the International Day of Cultural Diversity.

Sayon Camara

As an outstanding advocate of the music and traditions of the civilization of western Africa, Guinean singer and traditional storyteller Sayon Camara promotes

UNESCO’s ideals of cultural diversity, peace and hope.

Lauren Child

Lauren Child is an English author and illustrator of children’s books. She has been actively involved with UNESCO in Egypt, Mexico and Mongolia through the programme for the Education of Children in Need. She recently re-

designed and expanded one of her much-loved stories, That Pesky Rat, for a special UNESCO edition of the book.

China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe

Founded in 1987, the China Disabled People’s Performing Art Troupe is composed of performers with sight, hearing, mental or motor disabilities or speech

impairment. Their dazzling performances make them a symbol of hope, solidarity and remarkable advocates of UNESCO’s activities in the field of inclusion and quality learning enhancement, within the framework of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

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Joaquín Cortés

Dancer, choreographer and actor, Joaquín Cortés, started his ballet career in the Spanish National Ballet. In 1992, he created his own company, the worldwide acclaimed “Joaquín Cortés Flamenco Ballet”. With

UNESCO, and through the “Fundación Gitana” of which he is president, Joaquín Cortés promotes the values of culture, peace and solidarity.

Manu Dibango

One of Africa’s best-known popular musicians, Manu Dibango, defends the intellectual property rights of musicians and supports the fight against piracy of musical works. In January 2010, along with 50 other

famous singers and musicians, Manu Dibango performed on the stage of the Zenith in Paris in a charity concert for Haiti.

Céline Dion

Outstanding Canadian singer Céline Dion has sold over 200 million albums worldwide, making her the best-selling female artist worldwide. Céline Dion has been designated UNESCO Artist for Peace in recognition of her

dedication to help society’s disadvantaged, defend family values and protect children.

Montserrat Figueras

Distinguished singer and musician, the Spanish soprano Montserrat Figueras developed, along with her husband Jordi Savall, a very personal and distinctive approach to performing early vocal music. Ms Figueras recently

gave a memorable performance after the inaugural meeting of the High Panel on Peace and Dialogue among Cultures held at UNESCO Headquarters on 18 February 2010, marking the official launch of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

Frankétienne

Haitian writer, painter and teacher Frankétienne is also the author of 40 works written in French and Creole. His commitment to safeguarding and promoting Haitian culture, of which he is an emblematic figure, and his

remarkable contribution to literature in French, make him a most suitable advocate for UNESCO’s ideals of diversity and cultural dialogue.

Valery Gergiev

Valery Gergiev, Director of Saint Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, and principal guest conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, is one of the finest conductors

of our time. His contribution to the preservation and promotion of opera and classical dance is immense. Founder of many international music festivals, Maestro Gergiev is an outstanding advocate for UNESCO’s ideals of dialogue between cultures and civilizations.

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Gilberto Gil

The famous Brazilian singer Gilberto Gil supports the Culture Sector through such action as his concert at UNESCO Headquarters as part of the activities to close the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle

against Slavery and its Abolition.

Alain Husson-Dumoutier

The interactive artwork of the French sculptor and painter Alain Husson-Dumoutier has been hailed as an inspired new development in pictorial research. Through his exhibitions around the world this artist constantly

promotes UNESCO goals and ideals such as interfaith dialogue. This work with UNESCO has included designing the sculpture awarded to the winner of the UNESCO Mandanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.

Sumi Jo

Korean soprano Sumi Jo has gained international prominence for her artistic merit, her devotion to humanitarian causes and the promotion of peace. A distinguished advocate of Korean culture, Ms Sumi

Jo promotes cultural diversity all over the world through her support to the “Living Human Treasures” initiatives.

Missa Johnouchi

Renowned Japanese conductor and composer Missa Johnouchi is best known as a composer of music for film and television. In celebration of the 1300th anniversary of the ancient capital of Nara Heijo-Kyo, Japan, in

2010 and in the framework of “Harmony of World Heritage”, a series of concerts are being given worldwide under the direction of Miss Johnouchi. The final concert will be held in Nara Heijo-Kyo in 2010, at the location where the capital was built in 710, now designated as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara World Heritage site.

Dani Karavan

The famous Israeli painter and sculptor Dani Karavan promotes tolerance and the defence of human rights through his art, especially in the Middle East.

Marcel Khalifé

Lebanese master of the Arabic lute (the oud), Marcel Khalifé has gained an international reputation for preserving Arabic musical heritage while standing at the vanguard of innovative Middle-Eastern music.

Through his music, Marcel Khalifé consistently helps spread UNESCO ideals and values by sending messages of peace, justice and cultural dialogue.

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Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola

Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola attended the 31st International Theatre Institute (ITI) World Congress, whose main theme was “From Ancestral Roots to New Routes of Artistic Expression: Mobilizing Cultural

Diversity to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals”, in her capacity as UNESCO Artist for Peace.

Titouan Lamazou

The exceptional French navigator, Titouan Lamazou, who won a number of races including the solo round-the-world Vendée Globe in 1990, is also a noted painter. He promotes women’s empowerment and gender equality

through his paintings, such as the series of drawings and paintings entitled “Women of the World”, which will take him to 40 different countries over three years.

Gong Li

World-renowned Chinese actress Gong Li has appeared in several award-winning films. In 1992 she was awarded the prize for best actress at the Venice Film Festival for her role in “Qiu Ju, A Chinese Woman”. Her work

contributes to cultural diversity, understanding and harmony between peoples by communicating to audiences worldwide facets of human experience that are truly universal.

Philippine Madrigal Singers

Mostly composed of students, faculty staff and alumni from the University of the Philippines, the Philippine Madrigal Singers were founded in 1963 by Professor

Andrea O. Veneracion. The group specializes in the madrigal, a polyphonic and challenging musical style popular during the Renaissance. The Madrigal Singers have consistently won prizes in prestigious choral competitions worldwide and their influence on the Philippine and Asian choral scene has been far-reaching.

Malangatana

Considered one of the best contemporary African artists, the Mozambican painter Malangatana has held exhibitions in numerous countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. In Matalana, Malangatana built an art

gallery and set up a training centre to promote art education among local children and youth.

Sergei Markarov

Distinguished Russian pianist and professor of the P. I. Chaikovski Academy of Moscow and the Paris Ecole Normale de Musique, Serguei Markarov promotes peace, tolerance and dialogue between cultures

through classical music and his concerts for specific events, such as the United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage (2002) in Paris and a series of international concerts entitled “Grands Interprètes”.

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Maria de Medeiros

Maria de Medeiros promotes advocacy in arts and education through meetings with local artists, such as her meeting with the famous painter Malangatana, also an Artist for Peace, at his art gallery in Mozambique.

Together they attended the meeting “Arts for Education”. She recently associated the Brazilian film “O contador de historías” (The Storyteller) with UNESCO’s programme on artistic education.

Georges Moustaki

French singer and songwriter Georges Moustaki promotes UNESCO values and ideals of peace through his wonderful songs. Born in Alexandria, Egypt,

and raised in a multicultural environment, his songs have been performed by some of the world’s best known singers: Piaf, Reggiani, Barbara, Dalida, Montand and Salvador amongst others. A multi-faceted artist, Georges Moustaki also composes soundtracks, writes and paints.

Bibi Russell

After a remarkable career as an international model, Bibi Russell works tirelessly to help the hand-woven textile industries and textile workers in her native Bangladesh. Her humanitarian work has been

recognized by institutions all over the world. Among other prizes, she received the title of “Designer for Development” from UNESCO in 1999.

Jordi Savall

After graduating from the early music academy “Schola Cantorum Basiliensis” in Switzerland, Jordi Savall created three music ensembles, one of which is the “Le Concert des Nations”. With this ensemble he performs in

major early music festivals all over the world. He has also conducted various other orchestras such as the Wiener Kammerorchester and the San Francisco Baroque Philharmonic, and written soundtracks for several films, most notably “Tous les matins du monde”.

Vladimir Spivakov

A prominent orchestra conductor and violinist, chair of several international musical festivals, Vladimir Spivakov is also an active humanitarian. The Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation which he created acts in

favour of artistic education and education for children in need and participates in the UNESCO project “In support of the culture of peace and non-violence”. In 2000, UNESCO awarded the Foundation an honorary medal “for its contribution to the development of the musical culture of the 3rd millennium”.

Patricia Velásquez

Through the Wayuú Tayaá Foundation which she founded in 2002 Venezuelan model and actress Patricia Velásquez strives to provide essential aid and support to indigenous people struggling to survive in Latin America.

After the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti last January, Patricia Velásquez immediately started raising funds through the Wayuú Tayaá Foundation for an initiative called “Help Haiti Hope” aiming to build an orphanage and a school.

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In UNESCO, the Social and Human Sciences Sector’s mission is to advance knowledge, standards and intellectual cooperation in order to facilitate social transformations conducive to the universal values of justice, freedom and human dignity. The social and human sciences have a vital part to play in helping to understand and interpret the social, cultural and economic environment.

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Pierre Bergé

Internationally renowned French businessman and co-founder of the French luxury fashion house Yves Saint-Laurent, Pierre Bergé is also a generous art patron. As the president of the SIDACTION association, he is an

advocate, fund-raiser and spokesperson for the rights of people with HIV/AIDS. Furthermore, he generously responded to UNESCO’s appeal for aid to Haiti.

Chantal Biya

The First Lady of Cameroon, Chantal Biya, is committed to fighting social exclusion, notably through HIV/AIDS education and prevention, through her Foundation “African Synergies against AIDS and Suffering”. Ms Biya is the

Organization’s first Woman African Goodwill Ambassador, and she strives to address the interrelated issues of gender inequality and the empowerment of women and girls, vulnerable people and minorities in the context of the struggle against poverty. She also works through the “Centre international de référence Chantal Biya” the Chantal Biya International Reference Centre), which is closely linked to UNESCO’s “Families First Africa” project. This project supports activities that address HIV/AIDS in Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

Claudia Cardinale

Claudia Cardinale supported UNESCO through her patronage of the “Concert for Peace through Music” in Venice, Italy.

Jean-Michel Jarre

The French superstar of electronic music, Jean Michel Jarre has organized many concerts around the world for youth and tolerance and participated in the UNESCO Youth Forum for the Eradication of Poverty.

Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco

A leading campaigner for the rights of women and children, Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem of Morocco focuses on UNESCO projects for women and children and advocates their rights internationally by

participating in high-level events such as the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Children’s Rights and Human Security.

S. Exc. Nelson Mandela

The world-renowned leader and African living legend Nelson Mandela campaigns for human rights and racial equality. The world’s most famous fighter against racial oppression in South Africa, is undoubtedly one of the

great moral and political leaders of our time. He is revered everywhere as a vital force in the fight for human rights and racial equality. He earned worldwide recognition as a freedom fighter and “Free Nelson Mandela” became the rallying cry for anti-apartheid campaigners. Nelson Mandela was arrested for anti-apartheid activism in 1962 and remained in prison until 1990. In 1991, he and State President F.W. de Klerk, who ordered his release, were awarded the UNESCO Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize. Two years later, they shared the Nobel Peace Prize. Mr Mandela served as South Africa’s first democratically elected president from 1994 to 1999, overseeing his country’s transition from minority rule and winning

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international respect for promoting reconciliation. Since his retirement, he has been active on behalf of a number of social and human rights organizations. Mr Mandela has dedicated himself to reconciliation between different communities by promoting democracy and equality, whilst his life is an exemplary contribution to international peace and understanding. The Nelson Mandela Foundation, established in 1999, contributes to the making of a just society by promoting the values, vision and work of its founder. It promotes and facilitates dialogue around critical social issues within communities and between communities, business, policy-makers and the media and also offers an integrated information resource on the life and times of Nelson Mandela, facilitating global access to the public, to scholars, and fellow memory institutions. In 2008 the Conference of African Clubs for UNESCO took place in Bamako, Mali, as part of the celebrations of the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The conference was intended to celebrate Mr Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday and his life-long struggle for human rights and was named “the Mandela Challenge” in homage to the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Human Rights. This theme was chosen in order to honour Mr Mandela, his struggle for emancipation and his ideals, which remain a source of hope and inspiration for people worldwide.

Rigoberta Menchú Tum

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Rigoberta Menchú Tum has devoted her life to fighting for the rights of indigenous populations and works closely with UNESCO to promote the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and

Non-Violence for the Children of the World and the preservation of indigenous culture.

Kitín Muñoz

Kitín Muñoz was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in 1997. A Spanish navigator, scientist and sociological explorer, he is a great champion of the causes of indigenous people all over the world. An ecologist

and humanitarian, he uses his expeditions on primitive boats to spread his message of peace, multiculturalism and respect for indigenous cultures and to draw international attention to the threats of environmental destruction. In 2009 Kitín Muñoz published under the patronage of UNESCO a photographic account of the annual tribal meeting in Tan Tan, Morocco, entitled: “Moussem of Tan Tan: Oasis of Peace”.

Kim Phuc Phan Thi

Vietnamese-born Canadian peace activist Kim Phuc Phan Thi is the living symbol of the suffering of innocent war victims. She has dedicated her life to promoting peace, and to this end she established the Kim Phuc

Foundation. This foundation helps children who are victims of war by providing medical and psychological help to overcome their traumatic experiences.

Yazid Sabeg

French entrepreneur and advocate of social equality and cultural diversity, Yazid Sabeg was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in February 2010. He has written several books on racial discrimination, including

“Manifesto for a real equality”.

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Madanjeet Singh

Well-known painter, photographer and internationally renowned author of several books on art and other subjects, Madanjeet Singh has devoted his life to the cause of

communal harmony and peace, promoting tolerance and non-violence through the work of his South Asia Foundation (SAF) and the sponsoring of the biennial “UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence”.

Virgilijus Alekna

The Lithuanian discus thrower and twice Olympic champion and world champion, Virgilijus Alekna, helps the Organization in his capacity as UNESCO Champion for Sport, by encouraging the inclusion of sports in

the educational system and advocating the importance of physical education and its ethical and social values.

Serhiy Bubka

Six times world champion (between 1983 and 1997), European champion in 1986 and Olympic champion in 1988, the Ukrainian pole-vaulter Serhiy

Bubka, whose indoor and outdoor world records set in 1993 still remain unchallenged, is surely one of the most outstanding sportsmen of modern times. Mr Bubka promotes peace and tolerance through sport and directs his actions towards enabling disadvantaged children to benefit from physical education.

Veronica Campbell-Brown

Jamaican sprinter Veronica Campbell-Brown, winner of five Olympic medals and six-time World Championship medallist works in favour of gender equity in sports.

David Douillet

Two times gold medallist in the heavyweight category in judo, David Douillet has for several years sponsored the collection of pièces jaunes (small change) for children’s hospitals organized by Ms Chirac. As

UNESCO Champion for Sport, he participates in the fight against exclusion through education by supporting programmes such as “Hope and Solidarity through Ball Games”.

Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal

Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal, the celebrated sumo wrestler of Mongolian origin also known as Hakuho Sho, dedicates his activities to the promotion of a better future for the youth of East Asia.

Vyatcheslav Fetisov

Vyatcheslav Fetisov from the Russian Federation, two times Olympic ice hockey champion, seven times world champion, and ten times European champion, is an active promoter of the values of sport and physical education

among young people with a view to building a better future for younger generations and participates in UNESCO’s struggle against doping in sports.

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Justine Hénin

Three-time winner of the French Open and Olympic gold medallist, the Belgian tennis player Justine Henin promotes the fight against doping in sports and educates tomorrow’s athletes in the ethics of sports through

such activities as educational workshops in the “Paris Stade Français Youth Tennis Open – BNP Paribas Cup”. In 2004 she created her own foundation “Justine’s Winners’ Circle” to help families with sick children. As a UNESCO Champion for Sport she is entrusted with a special mission to promote the fight against doping in sport.

Vitaliy et Wladimir Klitschko

Ukrainian-born boxing champions Vitaliy and Wladimir Klitschko have demonstrated a long-term commitment on behalf of the marginalized, and made exemplary

efforts to promote and support UNESCO’s Programme for the Education of Children in Need. They have in addition created several foundations in Ukraine that benefit children and sport.

Edson Arantes Do Nascimento (Pelé)

The triple football world champion and recipient of the FIFA award Player of the Century, Edson Arantes do Nascimento Pelé is highly respected all over the world and an idol for youth. His humanitarian mission has focused

on helping children in difficult circumstances through events such as the Match of the Heart 2000 held in Rome in support of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. He also supports the Children in Need telethon and fundraising gala which is organised every year by UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Ute-Henriette Ohoven. Pelé has donated personal memorabilia to various UNESCO campaigns and has given his fame and name to promote UNESCO activities on numerous occasions such as UNESCO’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

Michael Schumacher

Michael Schumacher, the German Formula 1 champion and the only racing driver to hold seven World Championship titles, contributes to UNESCO’s educational action in favour of young people all over the world. In

2005 the famous Formula 1 driver very generously gave $1 million dollars in order to support children’s projects in places such as Lebanon, Liberia, Sarajevo, Senegal and Morocco.

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Jackie Silva

Olympic gold medallist Jackie Silva promotes sport and social interaction among young people in Rio de Janeiro, provides information on HIV/AIDS prevention, youth pregnancy and drug abuse to youngsters socially at risk

through her Instituto Jackie Silva, and contributes to “Learning To Live Together” as a way of bridging the social and racial divides of Brazilian urban centres, particularly in Rio de Janeiro.

Navarre Scott Momaday

Noted United States artist and Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1969, Navarre Scott Momaday supports the restoration and preservation of Native American heritage and cultural traditions and communities through

his work as novelist, scholar, painter, printmaker and poet, and his participation in cultural debates such as “Pathways of Thought” at UNESCO Headquarters.

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The Communication and Information Sector programmes seek to promote peace and democracy by safeguarding freedom of expression and use of information and communication technologies, to expand the volume and variety of cultural content on the Internet, to narrow the digital divide through such projects as the World Digital Library, and to encourage the free flow of ideas and knowledge through citizen participation in the media.

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His Royal Highness Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz

His Royal Highness Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, UNESCO Special Envoy for Water, established the Pan-African News Agency (PANA), a pan-continental institution delivering news from an African perspective. His Royal

Highness also funded and established the Arab Open University, which launched its teaching programmes in October 2002 and whose branches are now established in Kuwait (where the AOU is headquartered), Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

His Excellency Valdas Adamkus

As a devoted environmentalist and promoter of information technologies, His Excellency Valdas Adamkus provides UNESCO with the benefit of his wisdom and extensive experience in the building of knowledge societies

through his participation in events such as the “World Conference on Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for Capacity-Building: Critical Success Factors”.

Since its creation in 1989, the Programme of UNESCO’s Eminent Personalities has helped the Organization in its mission to build peace and eradicate poverty through education, the sciences, culture and communication. It has managed to raise more than US$ 95 million allowing UNESCO to develop or implement over 300 projects, thereby making a substantial change in the life of millions women, men and children in more than 130 countries on the five continents.

Programme of UNeSCO eminent Personalities

UNeSCO 7, place de Fontenoy 75352 Paris SP 07Tel.: +33 (0) 1 45 68 18 93 Fax: +33 (0) 1 45 68 55 64 E-mail: goodwill@unesco.org Site web: http://www.unesco.org/goodwill

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