Padma Lakshmi Appointed Goodwill Ambassador of UNDP

Model, Author and TV Celebrity Indian-American Padma Lakshmi wears many crowns but the new feather that is added to her crowns comes with a great responsibility and meaning as Padma Lakshmi has been appointed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as its newest Goodwill Ambassador, to support the cause of the organization’s fight against inequality and discrimination around the world.

On the eve of International Women’s Day, UNDP announced the appointment of Padma Lakshmi. In her new role, she is going to mobilize support for the Sustainable Development Goals with focus on fighting inequality, discrimination and empowering the disenfranchised.

The UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner officially announced Padma Lakshmi’s appointment as the Goodwill Ambassador of UNDP during a special ceremony at the UNDP headquarters in the New York City. Afterwards, during a press meet held at UNDP Headquarters, Padma Lakshmi said, “As we celebrate International Women's Day... let's remember that women and girls face some of the worst discrimination and hardships in the world”.

She also said that her main focus as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador would be to shine a spotlight on the fact that inequality can affect people in both the rich and poor countries. As she says, “Many nations have greatly reduced poverty, but inequality has proved more stubborn. Inequality is further compounded by gender, age, ethnicity and race. It especially affects women, minorities and others who face unimaginable discrimination in the societies in which they live”.

The UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said Padma Lakshmi has a strong record of speaking out for those who have been left behind fighting discrimination, “We need more voices like hers to ensure we can meet the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals - our shared roadmap for peace and prosperity for people and the planet” he said.

Padma Lakshmi has been a judge, host and the executive producer, of Emmy award-winning series, Top Chef on Bravo Television. She is also famous as the New York Times bestselling author. She is also one of the founders of the Endometriosis Foundation of America. She is also an ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union, which advocates for the rights of immigrants and a Visiting Scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

With this appointment, Padma Lakshmi joins the lists of other celebrated UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors, which includes globally known actors, musicians, athletes and other high-profile influencers like international star Antonio Banderas, legendary musician Bob Weir and Award-winning actor Michelle Yeoh.