Pop star and fashion designer Pharrell Williams has been appointed as UNESCO's goodwill ambassador for artistic education and entrepreneurship in Paris. This announcement comes as Williams continues to make his mark on the cultural scene in the French capital, serving as the artistic director for Louis Vuitton menswear and performing at the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral.
As a goodwill ambassador for the Paris-based U.N. cultural agency, Williams will be tasked with promoting various initiatives, including the protection of Indigenous cultures, advancement of education and healthcare for women, raising awareness about genocide prevention, and safeguarding cultural heritage.
Williams joins a distinguished list of goodwill ambassadors that includes renowned figures such as U.S. jazz musician Herbie Hancock, Brazilian artist Vik Muniz, and Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase.
His recent prominence in Paris was highlighted by a Louis Vuitton menswear event at UNESCO's headquarters, just ahead of the Paris Olympics. The show, which celebrated the diversity of humanity through the beauty of human skin, showcased models wearing garments in a range of skin tone hues.
UNESCO leaders are optimistic that Williams' global influence and strong ties to the worlds of fashion and music will bring renewed attention to the agency's important work.
Williams, an American artist, being selected as a goodwill ambassador also signifies the United States' reentry into UNESCO last year. The U.S. had previously withdrawn from the organization under President Donald Trump, citing concerns of alleged anti-Israel bias. This decision was prompted by UNESCO's 2011 inclusion of Palestine as a member state, leading to the cessation of funding from the U.S. and Israel.
The return of the U.S. to UNESCO under President Joe Biden was commemorated with a flag-raising ceremony attended by U.S. First Lady Jill Biden.
