16 October 2003, Rome, Italy --
Five more international celebrities have signed on to FAO's
campaign to end world hunger, the Organization announced today
during ceremonies marking World Food Day 2003.
Joining the ranks of FAO's roster of goodwill
ambassadors are rai music sensation Khaled; Latin rock group
Maná; Israeli singer Noa; Justine Pasek, Miss Universe 2002; and
Malian musician Oumou Sangaré.
The group
took part in a series of events held at FAO's Rome
Headquarters during which the Organization stressed the need for
the world community to band together in an alliance to eradicate
hunger - the theme of World Food Day 2003.
On 15 October the five new appointees participated in
a round-table discussion on the role of FAO ambassadors in
helping the Organization combat world hunger. They were joined
by previously named ambassadors, including singers Al Bano
Carrisi, Magida Al Roumi, Mory Kanté, Youssou N'Dour,
Massimo Ranieri and Dionne Warwick; athlete Debbie Ferguson;
Nobel prize winner Rita Levi Montalcini; and actress Gina
Lollobrigida. Mr. Vijay Amritray, UN Messenger of Peace also
participated in the discussion to share his experience and to
encourage the FAO Goodwill Ambassadors to be active in their
role.
At the close of the session the group
issued a collective appeal "calling on all people to
help the least privileged people of the world finally break out
of the vicious circle of chronic hunger, poverty and
undernourishment." The ambassadors also pledged to help
rally public opinion behind this cause.
FAO
initiated its Ambassadors Programme in 1999 to draw attention to
the plight of the world's 840 million hungry people and
build support for efforts to help them.
"Governments alone cannot end hunger and
undernourishment. People everywhere need to be aware of the
problems, and must believe in the importance of finding
solutions," said Sidaty Aidara, coordinator of the
Ambassadors Programme. "Artists, celebrities, musicians
and other public figures are crucial to getting the message out
and inspiring people to act."
Towards these goals, FAO ambassadors hold special
performances, issue public appeals, participate in fund- and
awareness-raising events and visit FAO field projects.
Since 1999, 20 celebrities have taken up
the challenge of serving as FAO goodwill ambassadors.
FAO Media Office
media-office@fao.org
(+39) 06 570 53625
