In a significant milestone marking the 75th year of its partnership with India, UNICEF India has appointed one of Indian Cinema's most iconic stars, Kareena Kapoor Khan, as its National Ambassador. In her new role, Kareena Kapoor Khan will collaborate with UNICEF India to advance the rights of every child, focusing on early childhood development, health, education, and gender equality.

Having served as UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate since 2014, Kareena Kapoor Khan has been a staunch advocate for girls’ education, gender equality, foundational learning, immunization, and breastfeeding. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Khan has championed children’s learning and their safe return to school once reopened. She has played a pivotal role in various global campaigns by UNICEF, notably #EveryChildRights.

Expressing her gratitude upon being appointed UNICEF India National Ambassador, Kareena Kapoor Khan stated, “Few causes are as crucial as safeguarding the rights of children, who represent the future of our world. I am deeply honored to extend my association with UNICEF in my new role as India’s National Ambassador. I am committed to leveraging my voice and influence for the betterment of vulnerable children, particularly in areas concerning early childhood, education, and gender equality. Every child deserves a childhood, an equal opportunity, and a promising future.”

During the same event, UNICEF India introduced its inaugural Youth Advocates, young leaders and champions in issues like climate action, mental health, innovations, and Girls in STEM. Aged between 16 to 24 years, these four advocates specialize in specific areas of interest. Gauranshi Sharma from Madhya Pradesh focuses on the right to play and disability inclusion; Kartik Verma from Uttar Pradesh advocates for climate action and child rights; Nahid Afrin from Assam champions mental health and early childhood development, while Vinisha Umashankar from Tamil Nadu is a budding innovator and STEM pioneer. These youth advocates are part of UNICEF’s global program and join a cohort of over 93 youth advocates worldwide, driving change on issues affecting children and young people.

Expressing his commitment as a youth advocate, Kartik Verma remarked, “Youth possess the potential to lead transformative change in India. As the UNICEF India Youth Advocate, I pledge to amplify the concerns and perspectives of children and young people, particularly those from marginalized and vulnerable communities, to various stakeholders.”

"I am thrilled to have been appointed as UNICEF India’s Youth Advocate. It presents a significant opportunity for me to use my voice to shed light on issues that many young people, including mental health," expressed Nahid Afrin, a youth advocate from Assam.

Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, expressed delight at welcoming Kareena Kapoor Khan as the National Ambassador, praising her years of dedication to advancing children's rights. McCaffrey highlighted Kapoor's energy and impact in supporting various national and global campaigns.

McCaffrey also emphasized UNICEF's enduring partnership with India over the past seven and a half decades, highlighting the organization's support for numerous Government of India-led programs and milestones benefiting millions of children and young people. She emphasized that UNICEF's engagement with popular National Ambassadors, celebrities, and youth advocates will continue to pave the way for a promising future for all children.