Maggie Cheung Officially Made a UNICEF Ambassador in China The international film star Maggie Cheung was announced as a United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) ambassador in China on Thursday, April 29, 2010, CRIENGLISH.com reports.
A press conference was held at UNICEF's office in China. UNICEF representative Yin Yin New attended the event along with Cheung. After a simple signing ceremony and the certificate presentation, Cheung was officially made a UNICEF Ambassador in China. She promised to use her fame to improve the situation of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the country.
"I have long respected the work of UNICEF in different parts of the world," Maggie remarked at the event, which was held at the agency's Beijing office compound. "I am greatly honoured by this new role as a spokesperson and advocate for the most vulnerable children in China, and I'm looking forward to helping to improve public awareness on critical issues facing children."
"I've asked myself many times why I can have what every girl dreams of - beauty, fame and fortune; I have wondered why I was able to achieve this position, and now I know the reason: the thing that I'm doing right now. I've gained so much, and now it's time to give something back to society and to the people who need my help. As a well-known person, it is my responsibility to encourage the public to take more notice of the vulnerable and disadvantaged children."
Together with Yin Yin New, Cheung visited the communities and children that have been hit hard by HIV/AIDS in southwest China's Yunan Province. During the press conference, the host shared some experiences from this trip.
Cheung had the chance to see how children are affected by HIV/AIDS, and how successful efforts to boost HIV prevention and care are helping these communities. This was clearly a meaningful trip for the actress. "You cannot fully understand the feeling until you actually come face to face with those people, who suffer unimaginable poverty and hardship."
Cheung's most impressive moment during the trip to Yunan was a conversation between her and several HIV-affected mothers. They told Maggie their stories. When telling her about the hard times they'd been through, the mothers couldn't stop crying. Maggie was incredibly moved and cried together with them. She told the mothers that they shouldn't be afraid to cry. It is good to release the pain that has been suffered before, and then face the future with hope.
During the conference, Cheung was asked to name a book for children to read. She recommended the French novel "The Little Prince", written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
UNICEF was the first United Nations agency to appoint celebrity Ambassadors to help call the public's attention to the urgent needs of children. The first UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador was American comedian Danny Kaye, who was appointed in the 1950's. Another famous appointee was Audrey Hepburn. Today, nearly 200 celebrities and artists from numerous countries serve as UNICEF Ambassadors at international and national levels throughout the world.
"We are delighted to welcome Ms. Maggie Cheung as UNICEF Ambassador in China," said Dr. Yin Yin New. "As one of the world's best known Chinese cinema artists, she will help us to continue raising the profile of children's issues. We are thoroughly delighted that such a respected and acclaimed artist will lend her voice to the cause of children."
UNICEF China aims to enlist Ms. Maggie Cheung's support for public advocacy on key children's rights issues, such as support for children affected by HIV/AIDS, migrant and left-behind children and children with disabilities.
UNICEF will begin a new five-year program of cooperation with the government of China in 2011, focusing on the most vulnerable children and women in China.
By Li Bo