UNODC: Shehzad Roy designated as National Goodwill Ambassador
Shehzad Roy will be partaking in a wide range of activities including marking of International Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and advocating gender-responsive services for drug abusers. Photo: Shehzad Roy Facebook
(Web Desk) – Pakistan’s popular singer Shehzad Roy has been appointed as the new National Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
According to the UNODC, the recipient of the highest civil honour, Sitara-e-Imtiaz will be focusing and aiming at increasing visibility and assisting in mobilising support in relation to drug demand reduction, prevention and treatment.
UNODC Chief designates popular Pakistani singer Shehzad Roy as National Goodwill Ambassador https://t.co/Z2myhobj4B pic.twitter.com/x0AeXRJ2JZ
— UNODC (@UNODC) October 30, 2017
In a statement UNODC Executive Director Yury Fedotov said: "Throughout his career as a singer, social worker and a humanitarian, Mr. Roy has shown an unwavering commitment to tackling illicit drugs."
"His position as one of Pakistan’s most famous singers, his enduring popularity with young people, and his energy and undoubted talent, will help UNODC publicise the dangers of drug abuse," he added.
Roy has received two honourable National Awards and has been appointed by UNODC as National Goodwill Ambassador. Photo: Shehzad Roy Facebook
Speaking on his appointment, Roy said: "I have been following UNODC’s work even before joining them as a Goodwill Ambassador. Their work is commendable in the fields of criminal justice, drug demand reduction and HIV/AIDS prevention. These things are close to my heart especially when children are concerned, and I will give my all to my new role as National Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan."
Roy is one of the most celebrated personalities of Pakistan. Besides his popularity as a singer Roy has served the country as a social worker.
He is the President and founder of Zindagi Trust, a charitable non-governmental organisation that strives to improve the quality of education available to Pakistanis.
"It is disheartening to see children imprisoned for petty crimes or drugs ruining the lives of young people. If I can help one child out of prison or convince just one boy or girl to turn away from drugs, I feel proud that I have made a difference," Roy stated upon accepting his two-year assignment.
It s an honour to be designated as the UNODC National Goodwill Ambassodor. https://t.co/zgdOJejjci
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) October 30, 2017
He became the recipient of Sitara-e-Imtiaz, in 2005 for his humanitarian work and excellence in public service. For his organisation’s rehabilitation work after the 2005 Nothern Pakistan and Kashmir’s earthquake, he was awarded with Sitara-e-Eissar (Star of Sacrifice) in 2006.
Roy has further demonstrated commitment to humanitarian affairs by performing in a peace concert at the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway.
He has also given talks at Harvard University on music, activism and his documentary series as well as his struggle to bring social change throughout Pakistan.
During his term, Roy will speak out on criminal justice and drug demand reduction, visit UNODC projects, educational institutions and rehabilitation centres, and raise awareness on the Office’s important work.
He is expected to take part in a wide range of activities, including the marking of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, supporting prison and police reforms, and advocating for gender-responsive services for drug abusers.
