Priyanka Chopra Takes On New Role As Global Goodwill Ambassador Of UNICEF

Priyanka Chopra, a Bollywood actress who turned Hollywood A-lister, was appointed UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador. Chopra, 34, was recognized at the UNICEF’s 70th Anniversary gala at the United Nations headquarters in New York, according to People. On Monday evening, the Quantico actress posed for a number of photos alongside David Beckham, who presented her with UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadorship during the night’s celebration. In India, Chopra was involved with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. The Baywatch star is said to be a longtime advocate for the rights of women.

“My involvement with UNICEF began almost 10 years ago in India. Today, I stand here humbled, enriched and committed, because of it. Thank you, UNICEF, for the amazing journey so far as well as this huge honor.”

According to the UNICEF website, an actor, singer, or an athlete is qualified to represent UNICEF if they have a strong commitment to developing the lives of children around the world. A celeb’s association with UNICEF comes about because he or she has already demonstrated that commitment. A celebrity’s ability to attract attention puts them in a position to focus the world’s eyes on the needs of children, both in the U.S. and when they visit field projects and emergency programs abroad.

“Along this decade old journey, with UNICEF, I have been on many field trips to villages and centers across India. On those trips, I spent time with numerous young girls and their families and experienced firsthand the transformative power of empowering young girls with opportunities that are rightfully theirs… Together, with my fellow, dedicated ambassadors, I am now proud to stand with UNICEF to help build a world where children’s rights are respected and protected.”

Celebrities use talents and popularity to fundraise and advocate for children while supporting UNICEF’s mission to ensure children’s rights to health, education, equality, and protection. UNICEF was the first of many causes to engage celebrities. In 1954, Danny Kaye pioneered the role of an Ambassador-at-Large. Audrey Hepburn inherited the title and others classic Hollywood celebs followed. This created the current roster of notable international, regional, and national goodwill ambassadors.

Chopra has officially joined the ranks of celebrities who have held the position as a Goodwill Ambassador, including Selena Gomez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Joel Madden, Pink, Lucy Liu, Alyssa Milano, and more. Dozens of celebrities walked across the blue carpet during UNICEF’s 70-year anniversary celebration.

Priyanka Chopra looked chic among the famous names who’d gathered at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. Priyanka wore a navy, Prabal Gurung dress with bell-shaped short sleeves. Chopra also wore matching navy stilettos. David Beckham has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005 and wore a Polo Ralph Lauren navy and cream pinstripe suit. The husband of Posh Spice wore a pin advertising UNICEF.

Chopra celebrated her ambassador role alongside Orlando Bloom, who became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2009. Bloom’s girlfriend Katy Perry also became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador three years ago but did not accompany him to the event on Monday.

Chopra spent a lot of time with her BFF Meghan Markle over the past summer. Markle was confirmed by Kensington Palace to be Prince Harry’s new girlfriend, according to E! Online. In September the two attended the play, Hamilton. In May, Chopra was tagged in a photo uploaded to Twitter by Markle.

The photo captured the two actresses relaxing by the pool. Meghan is most recognized for playing Rachel Zane in Suits. In late November, Meghan Markle enjoyed a girls’ night out with Priyanka. Markle is back in her hometown of L.A. following a recent trip to London.

Markle’s 32-year-old boyfriend, Prince Harry, was busy traveling at the time. Harry toured the Caribbean for an official visit on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, according to Us Weekly. During his 14-day journey, Prince Harry visited seven countries, which included St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Granada, and Barbados.

Priyanka received a “Miss World” title in 2000 and has starred in more than 50 Bollywood films. The Lebanese-born American actress said it was difficult to break through stereotypes. Bollywood fans consider Priyanka’s success in America as a major accomplishment. The U.S. has been warming up to the former pageant queen rather quickly.

Priyanka plays the lead role of Alex Parrish in Quantico. Priyanka tells Complex magazine she chose Quantico from 26 other scripts. Priyanka Chopra is among the world’s 10 highest-paid television actresses, with Quantico and endorsements netting her $11 million in earnings, according to Forbes.

[Featured Image by Mike Coppola/Getty Images]