Gong Li

“To launch an appeal against hunger is not a waste of time.  At the start there is never a path, but where many people pass, a path is formed.”

Chinese actress Gong Li was appointed FAO Goodwill Ambassador on World Food Day 2000.

Gong Li graduated from the Central Drama Academy in Beijing in 1989. Over the last decade, she has earned international acclaim for her fine performances in some of China’s most memorable films, including Red Sorghum, Raise the Red Lantern and Farewell My Concubine. Today she is one of China's and international cinema's leading actresses.

Ever since she became an FAO Goodwill Ambassador, Gong Li has spoken out against hunger, has recorded numerous messages of support for FAO’s activities and has given interviews to the international media, speaking extensively about her role as an FAO advocate.

In July 2002 she visited the Special Programme for Food Security project in the Sichuan Province and a TeleFood (duck-raising) project in Youxian, thus increasing the visibility and impact of FAO’s activities in China. During this very successful mission, Gong Li met with farmers beneficiaries, poor families and children, and expressed strong and continuous support to FAO’s fight against hunger.

In September 2003, in her capacity as President of the Film Jury of the Venice International Film Festival, Gong Li held a press conference focused exclusively on FAO, her role as FAO Goodwill Ambassador and her commitment to the fight against hunger. FAO was also officially included in the press conference organized by the producers of Gong Li's forthcoming film "M" (French television TF1) thanks to the active involvement of Gong Li.

Since October 2002, Gong Li has lent her image to an FAO public service advertisement published by the major Italian magazines and international magazines.