Novak Djokovic appointed as UNICEF's Goodwill Ambassador

NEW YORK, 26 August 2015 – UNICEF today announced Novak Djokovic's appointment as a Goodwill Ambassador. Djokovic, the number one ranked tennis player in the world, has focused on the issues of vulnerable children and their communities through his previous position as a UNICEF Serbia Ambassador and his own Novak Djokovic Foundation. 

Ms. Yoka Brandt, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director, congratulated Djokovic on his new appointment today at UNICEF Headquarters in an event that included the World Bank President, Dr. Jim Kim.

“Novak Djokovic is a true champion for children around the world,” said Ms. Brandt. “He has shown that a powerful voice and powerful actions can make a difference for children, especially when they are very young.” Ms. Brandt added. 

Novak first teamed up with UNICEF in 2011 when he was appointed a UNICEF Serbia Ambassador.  Since then, he has been lending his support to improving the lives of children, especially those who are amongst the most marginalized, with a particular focus on the importance of early childhood education and development in providing children with the best start to life.  It is in recognition of his deep commitment to children's rights that UNICEF invited him to become a Goodwill Ambassador. 

There is now a widespread recognition that children who receive care, protection and stimulation – starting well before school years, will have a much greater chance to reach their full potential. Djokovic's commitment to children's issues will highlight the importance of early enrichment as critical to a holistic approach to the development of young children.

“I am honoured to have become a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, and to continue to help defend and uphold children's rights and provide access to early childhood care and development for every girl and every boy,” said Mr. Djokovic. “The early years of life are crucial. When well nurtured and cared for in their earliest years, children are more likely to survive, to grow in a healthy way, to have fewer illnesses, to develop thinking, language, emotional and social skills and become productive and successful citizens of society.”

“I am committed to helping UNICEF provide quality early care and development n to children, especially those who are most vulnerable, to help them build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities,” he added.

Novak has already made a positive difference in the lives of many children, not only as a powerful role model but also as a strong advocate for their rights.  In his role as a UNICEF Serbia Ambassador, he has visited preschools and kindergartens in Serbia to witness the importance of investing in learning at an early age.  His support and that of the Novak Djokovic Foundation has helped create more flexible, high quality and inclusive pre-school education programmes for some of Serbia's most vulnerable children.

Among his other many actions for children, Novak has supported the improvement of quality of preschool programmes in Serbia. The Novak Djokovic Foundation also funded UNICEF Serbia's innovative family outreach service aimed at connecting with families living in urban areas, which was so successful it has now been integrated into the Serbian child protection system. During the floods in the Balkans in 2014, Novak made donations to UNICEF to help with the emergency aid efforts.  And together with UNIQLO Company, one of his official sponsors, Novak helped support the 'Schools for Asia' initiative in Bangladesh, China and the Philippines, as well social inclusion and poverty reduction projects in Serbia.

Novak also signed today a Memorandum of Understanding between the World Bank and the Novak Djokovic Foundation, setting out how the two institutions can partner more closely to promote  early childhood development.  UNICEF and the Foundation have established a close cooperation on bringing early childhood services  to every child and family in Serbia, and the welcome addition of the Bank's resources will allow an even broader reach to the most deprived children around the world.

The newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador is one of the most dominant players to ever set foot on a tennis court. To date, Djokovic has won a total of 54 career titles, including 9 Grand Slams, and he was a Medallist at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Djokovic has today joined other accomplished and dedicated past and present UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors, including Danny Kaye, Audrey Hepburn, David Beckham, Harry Belafonte, Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, Sir Roger Moore, Shakira, Maxim Vengerov, Serena Williams, and others.

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