Wimbledon-Hollywood fame Ashok Amritraj becomes first UN Goodwill Ambassador in India

NewDelhi: Award-winning Hollywood film producer and Wimbledon tennis player Ashok Amritraj has become the first Goodwill ambassador of the UN in India. Mr Amritraj has been appointed Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a UNDP statement said here today. In September 2015, at the UN General Assembly, 193 countries adopted arguably the most ambitious global agenda of our times, The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - a plan of action for people, planet, prosperity and peace.

India played an important role in shaping the global agenda and is critical to its success. A UN Goodwill Ambassador's is aim to generate momentum and commitment to achieve the SDGs by 2030 and to foster engagement of new stakeholders in the implementation of these Goals. Chairman and CEO of the Hyde Park Entertainment Group, Mr Amritraj is an internationally-renowned iconic filmmaker, who has has made over 100 films during the span of his 30-year extraordinary career, garnering global acclaim as well as worldwide revenues, in excess of two billion dollars. 'He has been a pioneering force in bridging India and Hollywood through film and media,' the UNDP said.

Accepting the honour, Mr Amritraj said, 'I look forward to working with the United Nations in India to amplify awareness about the SDGs. It is a tremendous opportunity that brings together my personal desire to serve the country of my birth, and my passion to leverage the power of the media for the creation of diverse, socially-relevant content'. Welcoming Mr Amritraj to the UN Family, Yuri Afanasiev, UN Resident Coordinator said, 'We look forward to working with Mr Amritraj as a powerful advocate for the SDGs, and to his support in showcasing innovations and cutting-edge solutions to development challenges that are being generated in India'.

A passionate believer in the power of media to effect social change, Mr Amritraj produced and hosted the acclaimed series, 'Chance of a Lifetime,' in partnership with the UNHQ, in which young filmmakers from Asia competed to create original, short stories highlighting issues related to water, HIV/AIDS, gender equality, migration and education. The winners were feted at the Cannes Film Festival. (UNI)