UNICEF India on Saturday identified Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana as a National Ambassador. The actor had earlier worked as UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate for terminating violence against children and associated child rights goals.
In the grab of National Ambassador, Khurrana will endorse UNICEF in ensuring that rights of every child is able “to survive, thrive, be protected as well as promoting their voice and agency in decisions that concern them”, a press release read.
“I am passionate about the issues facing children and adolescents in India. As UNICEF’s Celebrity Advocate, I have interacted with children and spoken on internet safety, cyberbullying, mental health, and gender equality.
“In this new role with UNICEF, I will keep up a strong voice for children’s rights, especially for the most vulnerable supporting solutions for issues that impact them the most,” the actor said in a statement.
Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, mentioned that Khurrana’s work as a Celebrity Advocate has served as an aid to spread the word and work for noble drive of protecting child rights.
“He is one of India’s biggest movie stars, and we are thrilled that he is using that powerful voice to stand with children and challenging harmful social norms and gender stereotypes. And it is a voice that resonates with UNICEF’s work and ethos in its sensitivity and passion.”
“We look forward to working with him on the most critical child rights issues of our time – ending violence, mental well-being, and gender equality– and towards a better future for every child,” McCaffrey averred.