Shakira appointed as UNICEF goodwill ambassador

Published October 26th, 2003 - 03:00 GMT

Renowned singer Shakira, who has gained international pop stardom, now has an international role as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund, according to UNICEF.

Shakira, who was born to a Lebanese father, is the first Colombian appointed and currently the youngest goodwill ambassador of the more than 100 celebrities from the worlds of film, music, sports and literature chosen for the honor over the past five decades, UNICEF said in a statement.

"UNICEF has done tremendous work in my home nation of Colombia and I have seen first-hand the difference UNICEF makes," Shakira said. "It's rewarding to know that I can join such a great list of stars supporting UNICEF and can personally contribute to improving the lives and future of children."

Shakira's focus will be to help UNICEF encourage children to go to school, the agency added.

Shakira whose full name is Shakira Izabel Mubarak Ripoli was born in 1977 in Barranquilla, a Columbian coastal city. Her father, William Mubarak is a Lebanese American who was born in New York to a family of Christian immigrants from Lebanon. (Albawaba.com)