Khaby Lame Appointed as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

By Anastasios Gordon Sekandi – updated at 13:14 EAT Saturday 02 February 2025

Global content creator champions children’s rights following four-day visit to see UNICEF’s work in Senegal.

DAKAR|HICGI – Global content creator Khaby Lame has been named UNICEF’s newest Goodwill Ambassador. The announcement was made at an event in Senegal, Lame’s birth country, following a four-day visit where he engaged with children and young people driving positive change in their communities.

“It’s a true honor to be appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and be part of an organization that puts children’s rights front and center every day,” said Lame. “From my own experience as a child facing poverty, struggling to find my passion in school, and losing my job during the COVID-19 pandemic to eventually finding my place in the world, I know that every child can thrive when given a chance and an opportunity.”

In his new role, Lame will use his global platform to advocate for children’s rights, focusing on key issues such as education, skills training, gender equality, protection from violence, access to healthcare and nutrition, and environmental sustainability.

A Global Influence for Change

At just 24 years old, Lame has become a worldwide sensation, rising to fame with his comedic video responses to overly complicated “life hacks,” where he simplifies tasks with his signature silent humor. His influence extends far beyond entertainment—he was listed in Fortune’s 40 Under 40 and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2022 and, in 2024, was ranked among Forbes’ Top 10 Content Creators. As of 2025, he remains the most-followed person on TikTok.

“We are thrilled to welcome Khaby Lame to the UNICEF family as a Goodwill Ambassador,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “Khaby is a passionate and powerful advocate for children and young people around the world. His creativity and unique perspective have inspired hundreds of millions, and his voice will empower even more to raise theirs.”

A Hands-On Approach in Senegal

During his visit to Senegal, Lame actively engaged with young people across multiple communities:

In Dakar, he met street-connected children at a local shelter, playing sports and hearing their stories of escaping violence, abuse, and exploitation.

In Ziguinchor (Casamance region), he visited an inclusive school, where children with disabilities use assistive technology to enhance learning. He also played a football match with blind children.

In Kolda, near the borders of The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, Lame participated in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) workshop aimed at helping out-of-school girls gain leadership and innovation skills. The initiative is led by a network of 3,500 young female leaders dedicated to advancing girls’ education and combating gender-based violence.

In Sédhiou, Lame met members of the Children’s Municipal Council, a youth-led initiative that holds local authorities accountable on children’s issues. He also joined them in planting mangrove trees as part of a climate change mitigation project.

“During my time in Senegal with UNICEF, I’ve met many young people who are taking charge and making a difference—whether by learning new technology, finding climate solutions, or empowering one another to stay safe,” Lame shared. “I’m excited to meet even more young changemakers in my new role with UNICEF.”

Joining a Prestigious List of Advocates

Lame now joins an esteemed group of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, including:

●Ishmael Beah

●David Beckham

●Orlando Bloom

●Millie Bobby Brown

●Priyanka Chopra Jonas

●Danny Glover

●Angélique Kidjo

●Ricky Martin

●Leo Messi

●Vanessa Nakate

●Liam Neeson

●Katy Perry

●Shakira

With his universal appeal, authenticity, and commitment to positive change, Khaby Lame is set to become a powerful voice for children worldwide.