NEW YORK—Acclaimed humanitarian, actor and writer, Ashley Judd, was appointed UNFPA’s newest Goodwill Ambassador today.

“Ashley and UNFPA will be joining forces to raise awareness of the huge work that still needs to be done across the world to stop women dying giving life and to empower women to choose when and how often to become pregnant,” said UNFPA Executive Director, Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin. “We will also work together to protect the rights and dignity of young people, enabling them to live safe and fulfilling lives so they help build a better world.”

Ms. Judd, who is strongly committed to social justice, believes that the sexual and reproductive health of girls and women is at the heart of poverty eradication and sustainable development. She is also a passionate advocate of the right of every girl and boy to enter adulthood safely and empowered, and for ending all forms of gender-based violence everywhere.

"Having seen United Nations programmes at work around the world directly touching and helping individual lives, it's natural and rewarding to partner formally with UNFPA,” said Ms. Judd. “I'm honoured to have been asked, and joyfully accept the grave and ambitious responsibility of helping end all injustice, especially any based on being born female. Being a girl is not a crime, it is a privilege. I am excited to do what I can to help girls and women everywhere contribute to their potential - which is indeed awesome - to the progress of all humankind."

For more information, please contact:
Omar Gharzeddine: Tel: +1 212 297 5028; gharzeddine@unfpa.org
Eddie Wright: Tel +1 212 297 2717; ewright@unfpa.org