Actor Ayushmann Khurrana poses with a memento as he has been named as the National Ambassador of UNICEF India | Photo credit: Manvendra Vashishtha Love
UNICEF India on Saturday named Hindi film star Ayushmann Khurrana as its national ambassador.
The 38-year-old actor previously served as UNICEF India’s celebrity advocate to end violence against children and a broader child rights agenda.
A press release said that as a national ambassador, Khurrana will support UNICEF in ensuring the rights of every child to “survive, thrive, be protected, while promoting their voice and agency.”
The actor said that he is honored to take forward his advocacy for children’s rights as a national ambassador for UNICEF India.
“I am passionate about issues facing children and adolescents in India. As a UNICEF 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 be a strong voice for the rights of children, especially the most vulnerable, supporting solutions to the issues that affect them most,” the actor said in a statement.
UNICEF India representative Cynthia McCaffrey said Khurrana’s work as a celebrity advocate has helped her grow and drive the work of protecting children’s rights.
“He is one of India’s biggest film stars, and we are thrilled that he is using that powerful voice to stand up for children and challenge harmful social norms and gender stereotypes. Passion.
“We look forward to working with them on the most important child rights issues of our time – ending violence, mental well-being and gender equality – and towards a better future for every child,” McCaffrey said.