(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK – In advance of Giving Tuesday, UNICEF USA has appointed Presidential Inaugural Poet and activist, Amanda Gorman, as the organization’s newest Ambassador. The announcement comes on the eve of the 20th annual UNICEF Gala where Gorman will perform an original poem centering on how it is possible to create a better world for all children.

Gorman began working with UNICEF USA in 2021 and has worked relentlessly to ensure that every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.  Throughout her tenure, she has used her platform to educate, advocate and fundraise on behalf of the world’s children, with a special focus on children in emergency settings. During the 2022 U.N. General Assembly, Gorman recited the poem "An Ode We Owe" to call for action on global issues like the climate crisis, poverty, and inequality. The poem emphasizes the importance of equity and coming together for collective action.

"Working with UNICEF has shown me that when we choose to uplift children, we are choosing to uplift our shared future,” said Gorman. “It is an honor to become a UNICEF Ambassador and to stand with an organization that turns possibility into action every single day, especially for children living through crisis. I couldn't be prouder to work alongside UNICEF and continue to support their mission to provide essential aid to children worldwide."

This October, Gorman visited UNICEF Supply Division, the organization’s global supply and logistics hub and the largest humanitarian warehouse in the world. Gorman learned from UNICEF experts about the intricacies of UNICEF’s global operations, and how Supply Division procures and distributes lifesaving items that support UNICEF’s essential programs and emergency response. Gorman learned about the over 400 emergencies UNICEF responded to in 2024 and helped pack supply boxes that were immediately dispatched to children living in conflict.

“We are honored to welcome Amanda to our family of UNICEF Ambassadors,” said UNICEF USA President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis. “Amanda has a singular talent for communicating the weight of a moment in a way that invites conversation and enacts change. From climate disasters like Hurricane Melissa to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, there has never been a more critical time to advocate for the rights of children. We are thrilled for Amanda to formally join UNICEF’s mission of relentlessly pursuing a more equitable world for every child and look forward to watching her inspire the next generation of philanthropists.”

A cum laude Harvard graduate and the youngest Presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history, Gorman is a dedicated advocate for the environment, racial equity and gender justice. The special edition of her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” was published in March 2021, followed by her debut picture book Change Sings and poetry collection Call Us What We Carry, each debuting at #1 on multiple bestsellers lists. Call Us What We Carry was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album.

As UNICEF’s newest Ambassador, Gorman joins a roster of high-profile individuals who advocate for children’s rights on behalf of UNICEF including Sofia Carson, Selena Gomez, Laurie Hernandez, Justin H. Min and P!NK among others.

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Photos and Videos Courtesy of Mads Joakim Rimer Rasmussen for UNICEF USA

About UNICEF USA

UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world’s most vulnerable children. Together, we are working toward a world that upholds the rights of all children and helps every child thrive. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

Source: UNICEF USA