Unicef & Beckham Launch ‘7’ Initiative
David Beckham and UNICEF have launched a new initiative, 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund, with the aim of protecting millions of children around the world from danger.
Marking Beckham’s 10th year as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, ‘7’ is David’s personal commitment over the next decade to helping vulnerable children, and will use his global influence and connections to raise vital funds and encourage world leaders to create lasting positive change for children.
David Beckham, UNICEF goodwill ambassador, said: “I’ve been a Goodwill Ambassador for 10 years now and I feel so honoured to be part of UNICEF’s amazing work for children.”
Today, the need to help children has never been greater and since retiring I have more time and I want to do so much more. That’s why I am setting up this new fund with UNICEF. 7 represents my ongoing commitment to helping children who need it most around the world. This is me stepping up my support – because I can, because I want to, because the outcome will help change the lives of millions of children. Everything I have done, my football career, my family, has led to this point – this is the moment for me to do what I can to help children in every corner of the world. This is something I want my own children to be proud of.”
Over the coming years I am going to work with UNICEF to raise millions and speak out for children all over the world. I am planning numerous fundraising initiatives and I also hope to travel much more – meeting children, UNICEF staff and world leaders to help raise awareness and increase the pace of change. There are some very exciting plans ahead and I am so proud to be part of this.”
The launch of ‘7’, named after Beckham’s lucky number on his England and Manchester United shirts, follows one of the most devastating years for children on record.
More than 15 million children were exposed to extreme violence in major conflicts in 2014, while millions more were hit by natural disasters and thousands were left orphaned and out of school as a result of the devastating Ebola epidemic.
Beyond emergencies, children were also at serious risk – with 168 million children across the globe engaged in child labour and many others victims of sexual violence, trafficking and female genital mutilation.
Paloma Escudero, from UNICEF’s Global Management Team, added: “David Beckham has dedicated his 10 years as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to speaking up for those who need it most – the world’s most vulnerable children.
“David has raised awareness of major dangers facing children – including malnutrition, Ebola and AIDS – and has travelled with UNICEF to Sierra Leone, South Africa, Thailand and most recently the Philippines, where he helped raise vital funds for children affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Through 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund, we can act together to drive positive change for children.”
