Pharrell Williams has won 13 Grammys and been nominated for countless other awards. But on Tuesday (Dec. 17) the singer/producer/songwriter received a rare honor when he was named UNESCO’s goodwill ambassador for artistic eduction and entrepreneurship in a ceremony in Paris.
According to the Associated Press, Williams’ new role for the Paris-based U.N. cultural agency will involve promoting initiatives including the protection of indigenous cultures, the advancement of education and health care for women and raising awareness about genocide prevention and safeguarding cultural heritage.
“Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this one,” Williams, 51, said in accepting the honor while nodding to his impoverished youth. He said by taking up the role he hoped to “deepen that sense of unity and togetherness” by doing work that “evens the odds for marginalized communities.”
In a statement, UNESCO general director Audrey Azoulay called Williams a “complete artist [who is] also a humanist who works to put culture at the service of peace and bringing people together. He believes in the power of creativity and education to build a better future. His commitments resonate with UNESCO’s mandate. I am delighted that he is joining UNESCO’s family of Goodwill Ambassadors today to support our action.”
UNESCO said that Williams will serve as a “mentor and role model for young creators, particularly in Africa, where UNESCO supports the development of cultural industries.” He will join other goodwill ambassadors including K-pop group Seventeen and jazz great Herbie Hancock, among others.
To celebrate his nomination, Williams spoke to 800 secondary school students and fashion, music and films students at UNESCO headquarters at a screening of his LEGO biopic Piece by Piece. “Words cannot describe how I feel about being chose by UNESCO as a Goodwill Ambassador,” said Louis Vuitton menswear designer Williams, who chose the UNESCO HQ for the setting of his June fashion show for the iconic French fashion house.
