Eminent Advocates

Eminent Advocates help to increase public awareness of the refugee cause and our work at UNHCR. They can also play an important role in mobilizing resources and raising funds.

An Eminent Advocate is someone of standing and influence in their own community and the wider world, such as royalty, academics, religious leaders and major figures in the business world. 

The honorary title is bestowed by UNHCR to recognize an individual's strong and active support for its work.

Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, who has helped with projects for forcibly displaced women from Somalia and Syria, was named the first UNHCR Eminent Advocate in May 2013. 

Dato’ Sri Prof. Dr Tahir is the lead donor of the Global Shelter Coalition and was named the first UNHCR Eminent Advocate for Asia in November 2016.