UNICEF Names Orlando Bloom a Goodwill Ambassador

Children are our world’s most vital resources and it’s extremely important that we do all we can to help protect them. One celeb who is using his fame to try and do just that is Orlando Bloom.

Last week, UNICEF appointed Bloom (best known for his roles in the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean trilogies) as one of its Goodwill Ambassadors, to champion for the rights of children throughout the world. He joins the ranks of many other prestigious names in both the acting and service worlds who have served as UN Ambassadors: Audrey Hepburn, Danny Kaye, Shakira, Sir Roger Moore, David Beckham, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow and Vanessa Redgrave.

Here’s what the British movie star had to say about UNICEF and its work:

UNICEF doesn't just deliver humanitarian aid, which is what they are known for all over the world. They also educate and provide tools which help women and children face challenges specific to their own lives. I responded to how UNICEF works as much as I did to the work itself. I look forward to learning more and to supporting UNICEF any way I can.

Bloom has been a supporter of UNICEF’s work for years, after a visit to schools in Nepal and Russia, where children live in deep poverty. He says: "I look forward to working with UNICEF as they continue to make the world a better place for children.”

Read the press release here or check out the news articles from the UK’s Guardian and ABC News.

Here’s footage of the announcement and of some of the charity work Bloom has done in Nepal with UNICEF: