Alumni

Over the years, we have worked with a number of high profile and influential personalities who have lent their time, voices and energy to the refugee cause and UNHCR's work. This gallery pays tribute to these supporters, and salutes their dedication and service in upholding and supporting the rights of forcibly displaced people.

  • Giorgio Armani is the eponymous head of one of the world's top fashion houses, and is known around the world for his clean, tailored cuts and impeccable designs. Armani was named a Goodwill Ambassador in 2002 in recognition of his significant contribution to UNHCR's work during the Afghan refugee emergency. He and his company helped to fund raise and build awareness of broader refugee issues.
    Giorgio Armani is the eponymous head of one of the world's top fashion houses, and is known around the world for his clean, tailored cuts and impeccable designs. Armani was named a Goodwill Ambassador in 2002 in recognition of his significant contribution to UNHCR's work during the Afghan refugee emergency. He and his company helped to fund raise and build awareness of broader refugee issues. ©  D.Venturelli
  • Yul Brynner will always be associated with his role as King Mongkut of Siam in the stage and film versions of "The King and I," for which he won the Best Actor Oscar in 1956. But he played many other memorable characters in a career lasting more than four decades. He was also an accomplished director, photographer and author as well as a passionate humanitarian. He was appointed a special consultant to UNHCR in 1959, which coincided with World Refugee Year. Through various media, including film and radio, he helped highlight the plight of millions of refugees worldwide.
    Yul Brynner will always be associated with his role as King Mongkut of Siam in the stage and film versions of "The King and I," for which he won the Best Actor Oscar in 1956. But he played many other memorable characters in a career lasting more than four decades. He was also an accomplished director, photographer and author as well as a passionate humanitarian. He was appointed a special consultant to UNHCR in 1959, which coincided with World Refugee Year. Through various media, including film and radio, he helped highlight the plight of millions of refugees worldwide. © UNHCR/ October 1960
  • Richard Burton was regarded as one of the most prominent stage and film actors of his generation in post-World War II Britain, but one who failed to achieve his immense promise. The Welsh actor was particularly praised for his Shakespearean roles and he was nominated seven times for an Academy Award. Burton, who lived near Lake Geneva in his later years, was one of the first UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors and helped bring our work with refugees and the displaced to a wider global audience.
    Richard Burton was regarded as one of the most prominent stage and film actors of his generation in post-World War II Britain, but one who failed to achieve his immense promise. The Welsh actor was particularly praised for his Shakespearean roles and he was nominated seven times for an Academy Award. Burton, who lived near Lake Geneva in his later years, was one of the first UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors and helped bring our work with refugees and the displaced to a wider global audience. © Corbis
  • Riccardo Muti is regarded as one of the world's leading conductors. He has worked with most of the top orchestras and was music director at Milan's La Scala opera house for almost two decades. A prolific recording artist and winner of numerous awards, he is particularly associated with the music of Giuseppe Verdi. Away from the music world, he has supported a variety of humanitarian causes through his friendship concerts and other initiatives. He was named an Honorary Ambassador to UNHCR in 1989.
    Riccardo Muti is regarded as one of the world's leading conductors. He has worked with most of the top orchestras and was music director at Milan's La Scala opera house for almost two decades. A prolific recording artist and winner of numerous awards, he is particularly associated with the music of Giuseppe Verdi. Away from the music world, he has supported a variety of humanitarian causes through his friendship concerts and other initiatives. He was named an Honorary Ambassador to UNHCR in 1989. © Photo Schaffler
  • James Mason began his acting career while at Cambridge University studying architecture. He built up a reputation in the United Kingdom, before moving to Hollywood and becoming a big star in classics such as "The Desert Fox," "Lolita," "North by Northwest," "A Star is Born," and many more. Mason, who lived in Switzerland in his later years and died there, became a UNHCR goodwill ambassador in the 1980s.
    James Mason began his acting career while at Cambridge University studying architecture. He built up a reputation in the United Kingdom, before moving to Hollywood and becoming a big star in classics such as "The Desert Fox," "Lolita," "North by Northwest," "A Star is Born," and many more. Mason, who lived in Switzerland in his later years and died there, became a UNHCR goodwill ambassador in the 1980s. © UNHCR/ V. Armamo
  • Justus Frantz was born in what is now Poland, studied piano under Wilhelm Kempff in Germany and is now regarded as one of the most accomplished classical musicians of our time. His talent blossomed after joining the Berlin Philharmonic in 1970, when it was conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Frantz has used his talent to bring classical music to a wide audience. Today, he plays and conducts with orchestras around the world, including the Philharmonia of the Nations that he founded in 1995. He was made a Special Envoy for the UN refugee agency in 1989.
    Justus Frantz was born in what is now Poland, studied piano under Wilhelm Kempff in Germany and is now regarded as one of the most accomplished classical musicians of our time. His talent blossomed after joining the Berlin Philharmonic in 1970, when it was conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Frantz has used his talent to bring classical music to a wide audience. Today, he plays and conducts with orchestras around the world, including the Philharmonia of the Nations that he founded in 1995. He was made a Special Envoy for the UN refugee agency in 1989. © UNHCR/ E. Knushi
  • Princess Märtha Louise of Norway is an author, equestrian, businesswoman and philanthropist. From a young age, she has used her position to draw attention to a number of causes at home and abroad. She has taken an active interest in the plight of refugees and as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the princess visited the Liberia-Côte d'Ivoire border to observe the refugee agency at work and to raise awareness about the displaced people there.
    Princess Märtha Louise of Norway is an author, equestrian, businesswoman and philanthropist. From a young age, she has used her position to draw attention to a number of causes at home and abroad. She has taken an active interest in the plight of refugees and as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the princess visited the Liberia-Côte d'Ivoire border to observe the refugee agency at work and to raise awareness about the displaced people there. © UNHCR/ A. Hollmann
  • GRAMMY Award-winning trio Lady Antebellum began a multi-year partnership with UNHCR in 2012. Our organization was one of five to benefit from the American country music band's charity initiative, LadyAID™, created to bring awareness to and generate support for children in need, including young refugees in the United States and globally. The trio from Nashville, Tennessee chose UNHCR as their primary global partner.
    GRAMMY Award-winning trio Lady Antebellum began a multi-year partnership with UNHCR in 2012. Our organization was one of five to benefit from the American country music band's charity initiative, LadyAID™, created to bring awareness to and generate support for children in need, including young refugees in the United States and globally. The trio from Nashville, Tennessee chose UNHCR as their primary global partner. © Adam Boatman
  • Jack Thompson is one of Australia's most versatile actors of film and television. With a career dating back to the late 1960s, Thompson made a name for himself at home and overseas in films such as "The Man from Snowy River" and "Breaker Morant." He used his popularity to help bring attention to the issue of refugees. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador he was active in spreading awareness about Cambodian refugees and produced a documentary for UNHCR on the subject. He supported the establishment in 1991 of an NGO for underprivileged children, Krousar Thmey, which continues to work provide hope and a future for the young.
    Jack Thompson is one of Australia's most versatile actors of film and television. With a career dating back to the late 1960s, Thompson made a name for himself at home and overseas in films such as "The Man from Snowy River" and "Breaker Morant." He used his popularity to help bring attention to the issue of refugees. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador he was active in spreading awareness about Cambodian refugees and produced a documentary for UNHCR on the subject. He supported the establishment in 1991 of an NGO for underprivileged children, Krousar Thmey, which continues to work provide hope and a future for the young. © Jack Thompson/ ©
  • Luciano Pavarotti was named United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998. The Italian operatic tenor captivated the world for decades with his powerful voice and personality. From his 1961 debut (in the north Italian city of Reggio Emilia) as Rodolfo in "La Bohème" until his death in 2007, Pavarotti soared high in the world of opera, while winning a legion of fans outside the classical music world with his charm and warmth. He was noted for his work on behalf of refugees and used concerts and media appearances to raise funds and bring to attention the suffering of refugees. His annual "Pavarotti and Friends" concerts brought together some of the world's great musicians and raised funds for UNHCR projects in Kosovo, Pakistan, Zambia and Iraq. In 2001, Pavarotti was presented with the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the cause of refugees.
    Luciano Pavarotti was named United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998. The Italian operatic tenor captivated the world for decades with his powerful voice and personality. From his 1961 debut (in the north Italian city of Reggio Emilia) as Rodolfo in "La Bohème" until his death in 2007, Pavarotti soared high in the world of opera, while winning a legion of fans outside the classical music world with his charm and warmth. He was noted for his work on behalf of refugees and used concerts and media appearances to raise funds and bring to attention the suffering of refugees. His annual "Pavarotti and Friends" concerts brought together some of the world's great musicians and raised funds for UNHCR projects in Kosovo, Pakistan, Zambia and Iraq. In 2001, Pavarotti was presented with the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the cause of refugees. ©  Photo © Daniele Venturelli / 2002
  • Sophia Loren is one of the greatest Italian actresses of the 20th Century, who also became an international screen star with her great beauty and acting ability. From her first starring role in "Aida" in 1953, Loren went on to build a career that reached a peak in 1962, when she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in "Two Women." Thirty years later, she was named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, Loren brought global attention to the plight of refugees. Her first mission was to Somalia, which is still a nation in crisis. Loren lives in Geneva.
    Sophia Loren is one of the greatest Italian actresses of the 20th Century, who also became an international screen star with her great beauty and acting ability. From her first starring role in "Aida" in 1953, Loren went on to build a career that reached a peak in 1962, when she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in "Two Women." Thirty years later, she was named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, Loren brought global attention to the plight of refugees. Her first mission was to Somalia, which is still a nation in crisis. Loren lives in Geneva. © UNHCR / A. Hollmann
  • Arja Saijonmaa, Finnish singer, actress, humanitarian and political activist, is known for her long-standing commitment to human rights. Saijonmaa's dedication to the refugee cause contributed to public awareness and understanding for the forcibly displaced. An active campaigner, she has written articles about refugees for publications around the world. After her appointment as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Saijonmaa visited refugee camps in Africa, Asia and South America and produced a film about her experience in Africa.
    Arja Saijonmaa, Finnish singer, actress, humanitarian and political activist, is known for her long-standing commitment to human rights. Saijonmaa's dedication to the refugee cause contributed to public awareness and understanding for the forcibly displaced. An active campaigner, she has written articles about refugees for publications around the world. After her appointment as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Saijonmaa visited refugee camps in Africa, Asia and South America and produced a film about her experience in Africa. © UNHCR/ E. Kmusli
  • Henning Mankell, the internationally acclaimed Swedish author was best known for his crime novels, but was also celebrated for his activism and humanitarian work. Mankell was a passionate advocate for refugees in Africa and the work of UNHCR. Mankell's relationship with UNHCR started in the 1980s when he visited camps run by UNHCR in Mozambique. A decade later he travelled with the then High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata to camps in South Africa. In October 2013, Mankell undertook his last mission with UNHCR. He visited Congolese refugees in Uganda, seeing UNHCR's operations from the emergency stage to the transfer of refugees to long-term settlements. On his return he wrote articles on the plight of refugees in Africa. In January 2014, Henning Mankell shared the news with the public that he was battling with cancer and on 6 October 2015 the sad announcement was made that he had lost his life to the disease.
    Henning Mankell, the internationally acclaimed Swedish author was best known for his crime novels, but was also celebrated for his activism and humanitarian work. Mankell was a passionate advocate for refugees in Africa and the work of UNHCR. Mankell's relationship with UNHCR started in the 1980s when he visited camps run by UNHCR in Mozambique. A decade later he travelled with the then High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata to camps in South Africa. In October 2013, Mankell undertook his last mission with UNHCR. He visited Congolese refugees in Uganda, seeing UNHCR's operations from the emergency stage to the transfer of refugees to long-term settlements. On his return he wrote articles on the plight of refugees in Africa. In January 2014, Henning Mankell shared the news with the public that he was battling with cancer and on 6 October 2015 the sad announcement was made that he had lost his life to the disease. © UNHCR/M.Sibiloni
  • The Schürzenjäger was one of the most successful bands in Austria and Germany, and made a name for themselves early on for their straightforward volksmusik (folk music). By incorporating elements of rock and pop, to international acclaim, they became one of the best known acts in the European music scene. At the height of their appeal, they became UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors in 1998 and helped raise awareness of refugee issues among their global audience. The band folded in 2007.
    The Schürzenjäger was one of the most successful bands in Austria and Germany, and made a name for themselves early on for their straightforward volksmusik (folk music). By incorporating elements of rock and pop, to international acclaim, they became one of the best known acts in the European music scene. At the height of their appeal, they became UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors in 1998 and helped raise awareness of refugee issues among their global audience. The band folded in 2007. © 
  • Aidos Sagat is a singer and composer and has for the past two decades, helped to spread pop music in Kazakhstan as the Central Asian country emerged from decades of Soviet rule. Part of the appeal was that he and his group, Urker, aside from playing great music, sang in the Kazakh language. In recent years, Sagat has become increasingly involved in social and humanitarian work, using his popularity and influence to help the needy, including refugees and stateless people in his country. Since 2010, he has been working with UNHCR to help refugees, with special attention on children. He has supported education in music and art for youth, organized free entertainment for refugee children, and helped a talented young refugee musician further her career. He has also taken part in World Refugee Day events, speaking out on refugee issues and appealing for tolerance and respect for the forcibly displaced and the stateless. In May 2013, Sagat was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
    Aidos Sagat is a singer and composer and has for the past two decades, helped to spread pop music in Kazakhstan as the Central Asian country emerged from decades of Soviet rule. Part of the appeal was that he and his group, Urker, aside from playing great music, sang in the Kazakh language. In recent years, Sagat has become increasingly involved in social and humanitarian work, using his popularity and influence to help the needy, including refugees and stateless people in his country. Since 2010, he has been working with UNHCR to help refugees, with special attention on children. He has supported education in music and art for youth, organized free entertainment for refugee children, and helped a talented young refugee musician further her career. He has also taken part in World Refugee Day events, speaking out on refugee issues and appealing for tolerance and respect for the forcibly displaced and the stateless. In May 2013, Sagat was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. © 
  • Robot Taekwon V must be UNHCR's most unlikely celebrity supporter. The hugely popular martial arts cartoon character who has been entertaining South Korean for decades, was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Envoy for South Korea in 2008 and has since been helping to spread awareness about refugees and raise funds for UNHCR's life-saving work across the globe. He has met refugee families living in South Korea and visited refugees in camps in Uganda, Kenya and Liberia.
    Robot Taekwon V must be UNHCR's most unlikely celebrity supporter. The hugely popular martial arts cartoon character who has been entertaining South Korean for decades, was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Envoy for South Korea in 2008 and has since been helping to spread awareness about refugees and raise funds for UNHCR's life-saving work across the globe. He has met refugee families living in South Korea and visited refugees in camps in Uganda, Kenya and Liberia. © UNHCR Korea
  • Giorgio Armani is the eponymous head of one of the world's top fashion houses, and is known around the world for his clean, tailored cuts and impeccable designs. Armani was named a Goodwill Ambassador in 2002 in recognition of his significant contribution to UNHCR's work during the Afghan refugee emergency. He and his company helped to fund raise and build awareness of broader refugee issues.
  • Yul Brynner will always be associated with his role as King Mongkut of Siam in the stage and film versions of "The King and I," for which he won the Best Actor Oscar in 1956. But he played many other memorable characters in a career lasting more than four decades. He was also an accomplished director, photographer and author as well as a passionate humanitarian. He was appointed a special consultant to UNHCR in 1959, which coincided with World Refugee Year. Through various media, including film and radio, he helped highlight the plight of millions of refugees worldwide.
  • Richard Burton was regarded as one of the most prominent stage and film actors of his generation in post-World War II Britain, but one who failed to achieve his immense promise. The Welsh actor was particularly praised for his Shakespearean roles and he was nominated seven times for an Academy Award. Burton, who lived near Lake Geneva in his later years, was one of the first UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors and helped bring our work with refugees and the displaced to a wider global audience.
  • Riccardo Muti is regarded as one of the world's leading conductors. He has worked with most of the top orchestras and was music director at Milan's La Scala opera house for almost two decades. A prolific recording artist and winner of numerous awards, he is particularly associated with the music of Giuseppe Verdi. Away from the music world, he has supported a variety of humanitarian causes through his friendship concerts and other initiatives. He was named an Honorary Ambassador to UNHCR in 1989.
  • James Mason began his acting career while at Cambridge University studying architecture. He built up a reputation in the United Kingdom, before moving to Hollywood and becoming a big star in classics such as "The Desert Fox," "Lolita," "North by Northwest," "A Star is Born," and many more. Mason, who lived in Switzerland in his later years and died there, became a UNHCR goodwill ambassador in the 1980s.
  • Justus Frantz was born in what is now Poland, studied piano under Wilhelm Kempff in Germany and is now regarded as one of the most accomplished classical musicians of our time. His talent blossomed after joining the Berlin Philharmonic in 1970, when it was conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Frantz has used his talent to bring classical music to a wide audience. Today, he plays and conducts with orchestras around the world, including the Philharmonia of the Nations that he founded in 1995. He was made a Special Envoy for the UN refugee agency in 1989.
  • Princess Märtha Louise of Norway is an author, equestrian, businesswoman and philanthropist. From a young age, she has used her position to draw attention to a number of causes at home and abroad. She has taken an active interest in the plight of refugees and as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the princess visited the Liberia-Côte d'Ivoire border to observe the refugee agency at work and to raise awareness about the displaced people there.
  • GRAMMY Award-winning trio Lady Antebellum began a multi-year partnership with UNHCR in 2012. Our organization was one of five to benefit from the American country music band's charity initiative, LadyAID™, created to bring awareness to and generate support for children in need, including young refugees in the United States and globally. The trio from Nashville, Tennessee chose UNHCR as their primary global partner.
  • Jack Thompson is one of Australia's most versatile actors of film and television. With a career dating back to the late 1960s, Thompson made a name for himself at home and overseas in films such as "The Man from Snowy River" and "Breaker Morant." He used his popularity to help bring attention to the issue of refugees. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador he was active in spreading awareness about Cambodian refugees and produced a documentary for UNHCR on the subject. He supported the establishment in 1991 of an NGO for underprivileged children, Krousar Thmey, which continues to work provide hope and a future for the young.
  • Luciano Pavarotti was named United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998. The Italian operatic tenor captivated the world for decades with his powerful voice and personality. From his 1961 debut (in the north Italian city of Reggio Emilia) as Rodolfo in "La Bohème" until his death in 2007, Pavarotti soared high in the world of opera, while winning a legion of fans outside the classical music world with his charm and warmth. He was noted for his work on behalf of refugees and used concerts and media appearances to raise funds and bring to attention the suffering of refugees. His annual "Pavarotti and Friends" concerts brought together some of the world's great musicians and raised funds for UNHCR projects in Kosovo, Pakistan, Zambia and Iraq. In 2001, Pavarotti was presented with the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the cause of refugees.
  • Sophia Loren is one of the greatest Italian actresses of the 20th Century, who also became an international screen star with her great beauty and acting ability. From her first starring role in "Aida" in 1953, Loren went on to build a career that reached a peak in 1962, when she won the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in "Two Women." Thirty years later, she was named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador. In this role, Loren brought global attention to the plight of refugees. Her first mission was to Somalia, which is still a nation in crisis. Loren lives in Geneva.
  • Arja Saijonmaa, Finnish singer, actress, humanitarian and political activist, is known for her long-standing commitment to human rights. Saijonmaa's dedication to the refugee cause contributed to public awareness and understanding for the forcibly displaced. An active campaigner, she has written articles about refugees for publications around the world. After her appointment as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, Saijonmaa visited refugee camps in Africa, Asia and South America and produced a film about her experience in Africa.
  • Henning Mankell, the internationally acclaimed Swedish author was best known for his crime novels, but was also celebrated for his activism and humanitarian work. Mankell was a passionate advocate for refugees in Africa and the work of UNHCR. Mankell's relationship with UNHCR started in the 1980s when he visited camps run by UNHCR in Mozambique. A decade later he travelled with the then High Commissioner for Refugees Sadako Ogata to camps in South Africa. In October 2013, Mankell undertook his last mission with UNHCR. He visited Congolese refugees in Uganda, seeing UNHCR's operations from the emergency stage to the transfer of refugees to long-term settlements. On his return he wrote articles on the plight of refugees in Africa. In January 2014, Henning Mankell shared the news with the public that he was battling with cancer and on 6 October 2015 the sad announcement was made that he had lost his life to the disease.
  • The Schürzenjäger was one of the most successful bands in Austria and Germany, and made a name for themselves early on for their straightforward volksmusik (folk music). By incorporating elements of rock and pop, to international acclaim, they became one of the best known acts in the European music scene. At the height of their appeal, they became UNHCR Goodwill Ambassadors in 1998 and helped raise awareness of refugee issues among their global audience. The band folded in 2007.
  • Aidos Sagat is a singer and composer and has for the past two decades, helped to spread pop music in Kazakhstan as the Central Asian country emerged from decades of Soviet rule. Part of the appeal was that he and his group, Urker, aside from playing great music, sang in the Kazakh language. In recent years, Sagat has become increasingly involved in social and humanitarian work, using his popularity and influence to help the needy, including refugees and stateless people in his country. Since 2010, he has been working with UNHCR to help refugees, with special attention on children. He has supported education in music and art for youth, organized free entertainment for refugee children, and helped a talented young refugee musician further her career. He has also taken part in World Refugee Day events, speaking out on refugee issues and appealing for tolerance and respect for the forcibly displaced and the stateless. In May 2013, Sagat was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
  • Robot Taekwon V must be UNHCR's most unlikely celebrity supporter. The hugely popular martial arts cartoon character who has been entertaining South Korean for decades, was appointed a UNHCR Goodwill Envoy for South Korea in 2008 and has since been helping to spread awareness about refugees and raise funds for UNHCR's life-saving work across the globe. He has met refugee families living in South Korea and visited refugees in camps in Uganda, Kenya and Liberia.