International soccer star Ronaldo appointed UNDP Goodwill Ambassador
Geneva, 2 February 2000
Brazilian international soccer star Ronaldo has been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNDP. At a media-packed ceremony in Geneva yesterday, Ronaldo pledged to assist UNDP in building public awareness and support for one of its main goals - the eradication of global poverty.
"I suffered a lot during my childhood and I have not forgotten my origins," he told the press yesterday. "I have experienced poverty. I really want to make a contribution to eliminate poverty."
"Ronaldo, and other personalities can help us take poverty eradication to the top of political agendas," said UNDP Administrator Mark Malloch Brown. "The challenge is perhaps the greatest one we face at the threshold of the 21st century, but it is a goal that is within our reach. The resources, know-how and technologies are there, we just need to put them at the disposal of the poorest, and fill the gap of inequalities," he said.
Ronaldo joins other UNDP Goodwill Ambassadors - author and Nobel Laureate, Nadine Gordimer, actors Misako Konno and Danny Glover, and UNDP "Youth Emissary," Dikembe Mutombo, a star player with the Atlanta Hawks basketball team.
Winner of 10 international, regional and national awards and twice World Best Player (1996 and 1997), Ronaldo was born in Bento Ribeiro, a poor neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro, in 1976. Like many of his contemporaries, he began to play soccer in the streets of his neighbourhood and at age 14 was signed up by his first club. His first European experience with the Dutch team PSV Eindhoven launched him into a star-studded career at European level and internationally with the champion national team Brazil. At the age of 23, Ronaldo stands as one of the most successful soccer players in history.
Ronaldo has already been active in mobilizing support for poverty eradication. In September 1999, he travelled to Kosovo to help launch the UNDP initiative "Teams to End Poverty." While there he set an example by making a donation to a school rehabilitation programme in Gjakove.
"I suffered a lot during my childhood and I have not forgotten my origins," he told the press yesterday. "I have experienced poverty. I really want to make a contribution to eliminate poverty."
