IOM Goodwill Ambassador Programme and Celebrity Engagement

Sir Mo Farah is a world renowned, multiple Olympic, World, and European Champion runner. He has 10 global titles and holds numerous European and British Records and World Bests. Recently retired, he wants to keep running, but this time for IOM. Farah intends to use his new platform as Goodwill Ambassador to raise awareness of issues affecting people on the move, including protection and trafficking, and advocate for the transformative power of sport, especially for women and girls.

For more information click here.

Dimash Qudaibergen is a Kazakh singer and composer. He holds the title of the People's Artist of Kazakhstan, granted by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Born on 24 May 1994 in Aqtobe, Kazakhstan, he became widely known after participating in various musical competitions, including "Slavianski Bazaar" in Belarus (2015), "I am a Singer" in China (2017), and "The World's Best" in the USA (2019). He is the winner of several musical and public honours and awards in Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, and China. His large fan base includes more than 120 fan clubs in many countries around the world. As a Goodwill Ambassador, he plans to advocate and unite people in support of migrant rights. 

Ama K. Abebrese is a Ghanaian actress, television presenter, and film producer. Being from a migrant family, she is a role model and a change maker in the Ghanaian society at home and in the diaspora and is engaged in connecting the two. She is known for her contributions to the Ghanaian and African entertainment industries, and has received numerous awards and recognitions. Ama K. has used her platform to raise awareness about topics such as mental health and child rights. Her dedication to both her craft and her advocacy work has made her a respected figure in Ghana and beyond. 

Club Atlético Peñarol was founded in 1891, by English, German and Uruguayan employees of the Central Uruguay Railway Company of Montevideo. The Club was one of the co-founders of the "Uruguayan Football Association League" (1900). It is also the club with the most First Division titles (53) in Uruguay and the first club to win the Copa Libertadores de América (1960), one of the five clubs with three Intercontinental Cups, the Champions Super Cup of America (1969) and the Intercontinental Champions Super Cup (1985). The Club was also declared Best Club of the 20th Century in South America by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) (2009). Since its inception, Club Atlético Peñarol has been closely linked to the migrant population. In 2023, it signed an agreement with IOM Uruguay to provide assistance, advice and guidance to migrants at the Reference and Orientation Center (CRO, Spanish acronym) located in the Peñarol Palace Cr. Gastón Guelfi. 

Džanan Musa is a professional basketball player from Bosnia and Herzegovina. A former player in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he currently plays for Real Madrid of the Spanish Liga ACB, securing the EuroLeague title in 2023. Global recognition accompanies his court achievements, including the 2018 EuroCup Basketball Rising Star award. Born in the city of Bihać, Musa's illustrious career serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes and youth throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Beyond sports, his philanthropic efforts underscore a deep commitment to his community, particularly towards youth, reflecting a profound dedication to humanitarian work. 

Kofi Kinaata is a multi-talented musician and songwriter from Ghana. Born as Martin King Arthur, he is well known for his Fante rap and freestyle, earning his title as the Fante Rap God. He is noted for his lyrical dexterity in terms of unique rhyme schemes and humorous style with a touch of traditional African proverbs in his local language to entertain and educate. Kofi Kinaata uses his platform to raise awareness of safe migration pathways and the dangers linked to irregular migration, as well as to promote opportunities in Ghana, with a particular focus on young people. 
 
For more information click here.   

Mirela Sula, a renowned member of the Albanian diaspora in the UK, is the CEO and Founder of Global Woman Magazine and Global Woman Club. She has worked in media and education for more than 20 years and has speaking experience from all around the world. She is also the organiser of the Global Woman Summit and Global Woman Awards. She has appeared on London Live TV, BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, Sky TV and has also been featured in the ‘Evening Standard,’ Forbes Magazine, and ‘The Guardian.’ She had been engaged with IOM Albania during the implementation of the awareness raising campaign, “Albania is YOU!” as part of the project, “Awareness Raising and Information for the Safety and Empowerment for All – Albania: ARISE ALL.” She is passionate about empowering women and stands up for inclusion, diversity, gender balance, and supporting the next generation. 

Mouctar Diakhaby has made a name for himself in football, marked by his determination and talent. Of Guinean origin, he grew up in Nantes, France. His first steps in football took place at USSA Vertou, where he quickly demonstrated his potential. After joining the Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire youth centre, he joined FC Nantes, but it was at Vertou that he began to be well known, in the national under-19 category. His journey took him to the Olympique Lyonnais training centre at the age of 16. His notable performances earned him a place on the Lyon professional team. In 2018, he joined Spanish club Valencia, where he continues to showcase his talent and versatility. As a Goodwill Ambassador, he seeks to launch initiatives aimed at promoting the economic development of Guinea. He is particularly focused on working with young people.  

Nicolás Marín is an award-winning underwater photographer, activist, journalist, National Geographic explorer, and migrant. His work has led him to be chosen as one of the 100 youth environmental leaders of the world, as well as winning him the title of environmental photographer of the year in 2023. He has traveled the world, from the Arctic regions Norway, Svalbard, and Iceland to document the effects of climate change, to documenting illegal fishing in Senegal. He now lives in Mexico, where he documents giant marine mammals such as whales, sperm whales and orcas of southern Baja, California. Recently, Nicolás has been on the move again, leading him to document sharks in Fernando de Noronha, and penguins all the way down near the Antarctic.  

Paul Choy is an internationally renowned documentary photographer and writer. With a particular focus on social justice, culture, and the environment, he specialises in giving a voice to the voiceless through the words he writes and the photographs he captures. As an author and humanitarian, his work has taken him across six continents as he documents the beautifully unscripted moments of everyday life he encounters all over the world. 

In March 2023, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Prince William, visited Warsaw, Poland on a two-day official visit. He stopped by an IOM-supported shelter that houses more than 700 people who fled Ukraine after the war broke out in February 2022. He also met with Ukrainian and Polish youth, speaking with them about the conflict, fleeing Ukraine, and starting a new life in Poland.

For more information click here.

Together with American TV host Jeannie Mai and celebrities Shanola Hampton, Diego Tinoco, and Leona Lewis, IOM created a celebrity campaign to amplify survivor stories, advocate and generate support, and reduce the risks of human trafficking.

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Japanese composer and rock star Yoshiki Hayashi has made significant contributions to IOM to assist our efforts in helping people affected by the war in Ukraine. The donations directly supported emergency relief operations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Funding provided by his foundation, Yoshiki Foundation America, also helped IOM to launch a grant programme to support music and arts initiatives in Ukraine.

For more information click here. 

Asser Yassin is a renowned Egyptian actor, writer and film producer. He has received many distinguished awards, including best actor from the Festival International Cinema Mediterranean Tetouan in 2015, Malmo Arab Film Festival in 2011, and Carthage Film Festival in 2010. He will advocate and raise awareness for migrant rights, and promote safe, dignified and regular migration.

For more information click here.

Nelly Karim is an Egyptian film and television actress who started her career as the Cairo Opera House’s prima ballerina. She has starred in critically acclaimed productions, choosing stories and roles that highlight some of the key struggles affecting women at large. Nelly has received many distinguished international awards, including best actress awards at the Cairo International Film Festival and the Arab Film Festival. She has advocated for migrant rights and promoted safe, dignified, and regular migration.

For more information click here.

In 2005, IOM and the Ricky Martin Foundation (FRM) signed a global cooperation agreement to raise awareness and combat the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children. In Colombia, with financial support from the Royal Embassy of the Netherlands, the "Don't Let Anyone Shatter Your Dreams" counter-trafficking information campaign was launched in 2006. This campaign aired on various national television channels and included advertisements featuring Ricky Martin. The campaign resulted in a 57 per cent increase in daily calls to hotline numbers.

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From 2004 to 2005, IOM developed the Matching Funds strategy, with financial support from USAID, for humanitarian and protection projects aimed at assisting vulnerable Colombians, particularly those displaced by conflict. As part of this strategy, IOM backed the social initiative Conexión Colombia, a platform of resources from Colombians residing abroad. Thanks to the success of this fundraising page, several projects received funding, including pop star Shakira’s foundation, Pies Descalzos, which led to the education of 1,030 children and adolescents in Colombia, as well as the expansion and equipping of school facilities.

For more information, click here.