David Beckham
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005
"I created my fund with UNICEF because I want a world where children grow up safe – safe from violence, war, poverty, hunger and preventable disease. A world in which all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Together, we need to imagine a better future for every child and make sure that we achieve it."
Football legend David Beckham, OBE, became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2005, having previously supported UNICEF’s work for children while playing in the Manchester United Football Club.
In 2015, David launched the 7 Fund for UNICEF to mark his tenth year as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. The 7 Fund is a unique partnership aimed at helping children around the world – especially girls – break down barriers like bullying, violence, child marriage and missed education that too often steal dreams away.
During his time as a Goodwill Ambassador, David has travelled extensively to witness UNICEF in action. He has raised awareness and vital funds for urgent – and often hidden – issues affecting children, including malnutrition, emergencies, violence against children and HIV/AIDS.
David Beckham's activity with UNICEF
2021
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David and other UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors joined a call by high-profile supporters demanding that G7 leaders commit to donating doses of COVID-19 vaccines to poorer countries.
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For World Immunization Week 2021, David fronted a global initiative to inspire confidence in vaccines and encourage parents around the world to vaccinate their children against deadly diseases.
2020
- On World Children’s Day, David spoke with Sebabatso, an 18-year-old South African student, to discuss science, gender equality and the impacts of COVID-19 on education.
2019
- David addressed a global summit at United Nations Headquarters in New York on World Children’s Day, joining children and young people the world over in demanding action to protect and promote child rights.
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In David's first official visit to China as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he joined children in their play and early learning activities at the Xianghuaqiao Kindergarten, and spoke with parents who have migrated to the Qingpu District of Shanghai in search of better employment and opportunities for their families.
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In 1989, world leaders signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thirty years later, David asked them to keep their promise so children can have a brighter future.
2018
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On Father’s Day, David shared his experience as a dad and his favourite times with his children. He wished for all parents to be able to bring up their children in a safe, healthy environment.
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David travelled with UNICEF to Indonesia to meet children who had experienced classroom violence and bullying.
2017
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David joined UNICEF to celebrate World Children's Day by appearing in a short film, where he quizzed children about their views on the world.
2016
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David and other UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors called for a fair chance for every child at the UNICEF seventieth anniversary event in New York.
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David worked with UNICEF to create a powerful film highlighting how violence and abuse can mark children forever.
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David visited Swaziland to draw attention to children at risk from the regional drought crisis.
2015
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David revealed a unique installation that brings the voices of children and young people to the United Nations General Assembly.
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In the UK, an all-star line-up of footballing legends was announced to play at the David Beckham Match for Children to support UNICEF.
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David and UNICEF launched a groundbreaking initiative, the 7 Fund for UNICEF, to protect millions of children around the world from danger.
2014
- David visited young survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
2011
- David made a surprise visit to a UNICEF-supported children's shelter in Manila, the Philippines, where he met with children who once lived and worked in the streets.
2009
- David travelled to South Africa to highlight the global progress made towards preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
2008
- David travelled to Sierra Leone, a country with one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, to draw attention to the issues surrounding child survival.
2005
- In Copenhagen, Denmark, David toured a UNICEF facility where supplies were being coordinated to help the 1.5 million children affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. He also recorded a public service announcement to launch the UNICEF fundraising campaign for emergency relief operations.