After Notre-Dame, singer Pharrell Williams named UNESCO goodwill ambassador for the arts

Pharrell Williams, global pop and fashion star, was named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the arts, education and entrepreneurship on Tuesday during a ceremony at the headquarters of the United Nations organization. in Paris. Quoted in a press release, Audrey Azoulay, general director of the body, welcomed a « complete artist » and a « humanist who acts to put culture at the service of peace and the youth of the world »whose « commitments resonate with UNESCO’s mandate ».

As part of his role, he « will be required to carry the voice of UNESCO during major international events dedicated to culture, as well as to support the educational and cultural programs implemented by the Organization throughout the world »underlines this press release. « He will continue his role as mentor and model for young creators, particularly in Africa where UNESCO supports the development of cultural industries. »adds the text.

Very present in France

Since 2008, Pharrell Williams, 51, has been an activist in several NGOs including YELLOW, which he created, dedicated to the education of marginalized communities, and Black Ambition, an incubator for black and Latino entrepreneurs in the tech sectors. , design, health and consumer products. He said to himself « honored to have been chosen » by Unesco and « be able to continue this work » within it.

Multidisciplinary American artist, Pharrell Williams has been very present in France for several years. Since 2023, he has been director of men’s collections at Louis Vuitton, flagship of Bernard Arnault’s luxury group, LVMH. He performed on the square in front of Notre-Dame de Paris in a concert for the reopening of the cathedral on December 7, reprising his global hit Happy surrounded by 70 gospel singers. Bernard Arnault donated more than 200 million euros for the restoration of Notre-Dame, being one of the most generous donors.

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The artist was also among the personalities who carried the Olympic flame before the Paris Olympics this summer, of which LVMH was one of the sponsors. In June, he chose the Parisian headquarters of UNESCO as the setting for his fourth fashion show for Vuitton.

Pharrell Williams performs Happy during the reopening concert of Notre-Dame de Paris