PARIS (AP) 鈥� Pop star and fashion designer Pharrell Williams was named UNESCO鈥檚 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 earlier this month.
Williams said he hoped to 鈥渄eepen that sense of unity and togetherness鈥� in work that 鈥渆vens the odds for marginalized communities.鈥�
He also spoke about his impoverished youth, adding: 鈥淕rowing 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 U.N. cultural agency involves promoting its initiatives that include protecting Indigenous cultures, advancing education and health care for women, raising awareness about genocide prevention and safeguarding cultural heritage.
The U.N. agency said Williams will be 鈥渁 mentor and role model for young creators, particularly in Africa, where UNESCO supports the development of cultural industries.鈥�
Williams joins a list of goodwill ambassadors that includes U.S. jazz musician Herbie Hancock, Brazilian artist Vik Muniz and Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase.
Williams has been particularly visible in Paris this year. Shortly before the Paris Olympics, his role as Louis Vuitton menswear designer took center stage during a star-studded event at UNESCO鈥檚 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鈥檚 work.
Williams is American, and his selection as goodwill ambassador also may be highlighting the readmission of the United States to UNESCO last year.
The U.S. 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 U.S. and Israel to cease financing for the agency.
The U.S. return under President Joe Biden .
Thomas Adamson, The Associated Press
