The United Nations Children's Fund, or UNICEF, has appointed famed
pianist Lang Lang as a goodwill ambassador. The 21-year-old
virtuoso plans to focus on child survival and immunization issues
in fulfilling his duties.
Lang Lang joins a long list of UNICEF goodwill ambassadors who
travel the world on behalf of children, including American singer
Harry Belafonte and Hong Kong film stars Jackie Chan and Leon
Lai.
UNICEF's celebrity goodwill ambassadors all share a commitment
to improving the lives of children worldwide. Each is selected
because he or she has already demonstrated that commitment.
The organization chooses celebrities as its ambassadors because
they are in a position to focus the world's eyes on the needs of
children, both in their own countries and by visiting projects and
programs overseas. They can use their talents and fame to advocate
for children and support UNICEF's mission to ensure every child's
right to health, education, equality and protection.
Lang Lang said that he is excited to begin doing what he can to
help bring the world's attention to the pressing needs of
children.
The young talent has played with all the major American
orchestras and was the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the
Berlin Philharmonic.
(CRI May 21, 2004)
