Brazilian Football Player Vinícius Junior is named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

Unesco Goodwill Ambassador

Photos: UNESCO’s Director-General visited Real Madrid’s training center to officially present Vinícius Junior with his letter of appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Images provided by & copyright © UNESCO/Juan BARBOSA.

Paris, France, February 6, 2024 — Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has appointed Brazilian footballer Vinícius Junior as Goodwill Ambassador for Education for All during a Real Madrid training center ceremony.

UNESCO’s Director-General visited Real Madrid’s training center to officially present Vinícius Junior with his letter of appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

“Vinícius Junior is not only an exceptional football player; he has also been a committed advocate for equal opportunity through education in Brazil. He is a role model for an entire generation, and UNESCO is honored to count him today among its Goodwill Ambassadors,” UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said.

“Being appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador at just 23 years old is more than an honor. It’s an achievement and a responsibility I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Of course, I want to be recognized as a great player and a citizen who strives to make a difference. I have advocated for education since I was 19, and my Institute in Brazil is gradually growing. Thanks to the support of UNESCO, we will positively impact the world,” remarked Vinícius Junior, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

The Brazil and Real Madrid prodigy has made a name for himself in recent years by promoting access to education for all young people. In 2021, he set up the Instituto Viní.Jr. to help Brazilian children and teenagers from underprivileged neighborhoods return to school. The Institute draws on the values of sport to inspire students from all backgrounds to learn and continue their education.

Vinícius Junior has been facing discrimination and prejudice, especially from fans, and has been fighting for inclusion. He has collaborated with FIFA and Brazil to raise awareness and promote the values of respect and dialogue. He has actively participated in the “Racism, don’t pretend you don’t see it” campaign. Vinícius Junior’s dedication to social justice was recognized and presented with the 2023 Socrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Audrey Azoulay has made promoting education her top priority in the roadmap she has entrusted to Vinicius Junior. Vinicius Junior will speak at UNESCO conferences to member states and the general public and support the Organization’s educational programs worldwide.

According to UNESCO, an estimated 250 million children and teenagers lack access to education today, an increase of 6 million since 2021. Additionally, seven out of ten children cannot read and comprehend an introductory text by age 10. Social inequality is one of the primary reasons behind the high dropout rates and the lack of academic progress.

Vinícius Junior is the second Brazilian football player appointed Goodwill Ambassador. The first was Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also called “Pele.”

Source: UNESCO

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Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:21 PM | Link to this Post