Geneva, 15 February – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) today announces the appointments of nine Goodwill Ambassadors – entertainers, artists, sports figures and other notable people – joining IOM’s inaugural global Ambassador, Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, announced last November. 

The newly appointed Goodwill Ambassadors will lend their names and dedicate their support to highlight the opportunities presented by migration and how it helps spread talent around the globe. The nine Ambassadors – eight individuals and one football club – are: 

1.            Ama K. Abebrese, Actress and Television Presenter, Ghana 

2.            Nicolas Marin Benitez, Photographer, Argentina/Aruba

3.            Paul Choy, Photographer, Mauritius 

4.            Mouctar Diakhaby, Footballer, Guinea 

5.            Kofi Kinaata, Musician and Songwriter, Ghana

6.            Dzanan Musa, Basketball Player, Bosnia 

7.            Mirela Sula, Psychologist, Journalist and Author, Albania

8.            Dimash Qudaibergen, Singer and Songwriter, Kazakhstan (with a regional role for Asia)

9.            Club Atletico Peñarol, Football Club, Uruguay

“I am thrilled to welcome these remarkable people as IOM’s new Regional and National Goodwill Ambassadors.” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “They're trail-blazers and sources of inspiration around the world. Now, they'll make a difference in another way, joining our efforts to champion well-managed migration and improve the lives of people on the move."

These Ambassadors were formally nominated by IOM representatives in their respective countries and selected following a thorough review and assessment process.

The Ambassadors are committed to making a difference. Dimash Qudaibergen, a hugely popular singer all over Central Asia and further afield, stated: “In my role as an IOM Goodwill Ambassador, I am proud to advocate for the human rights of migrants. Let us unite for a world where every person is protected and open to opportunities.”

Meanwhile, star footballer Mouctar Diakhaby noted: “From my family experience, I can say that migration can be beneficial if it is done in the right way. As an IOM Goodwill Ambassador, I want to use my cultural heritage and sporting experience to help raise awareness.”

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM joined the United Nations system as a related organization in 2016. 

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Notes to Editors:

For media inquiries, please contact: zbrennan@iom.int

For more information on IOM's Goodwill Ambassadors, please visit: https://www.iom.int/iom-goodwill-ambassador-programme