Sonny announced as UN World Food Programme Ambassador

Ahead of our match against Team K League at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Wednesday (13 July), Heung-Min Son was announced as the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Global Goodwill Ambassador.

The WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation which works to save lives in emergencies and uses food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. It works in over 120 territories, reaching more than 128 million people in 2021.

Sonny is a long-term supporter of the programme, having last year voiced its We Deliver video, which draws powerful parallels between the commitment of WFP to humanitarian action and his own commitment and ability to deliver goals when most needed.

As a Global Goodwill Ambassador, he will use his influence and worldwide popularity to shine a spotlight on the plight of the millions of people going to bed hungry, while inspiring global commitment and action to end hunger. 

Huge congratulations to @Sonny7 who prior to kick-off was appointed @UN World Food Programme's Global Goodwill Ambassador! 👏 pic.twitter.com/3MJ7etC4Hx

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 13, 2022

To formally announce his new role, Sonny was presented with a welcome letter and commemorative football jersey by His Excellency, Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme, David Beasley.

Sonny said: “My own experience of overcoming enormous challenges with courage and positivity during my teenage life abroad and being away from my family encouraged me to be able to support people in challenging situations. As a WFP Goodwill Ambassador, I will be a voice to support the mission to end hunger as the pathway to global peace and stability for the people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change.”

David Beasley, Executive Director, UN World Food Programme, said: “We are delighted to welcome Heung-Min Son, a true star in the football world, to the WFP family. With his sharp focus on the goal, sure-footedness and winning ways, Son matches WFP’s vision and action in reaching those who need us the most. Son joins us at a crucial moment in history – a time when the world faces humanitarian challenges of unprecedented proportions. Colliding crises are pushing thousands into starvation, and we need all hands on deck to avoid a global catastrophe.”

Marian Yun, Director of WFP’s Office in Seoul, added: “Son’s message has captured the heart of every Korean. He embodies the spirit and legacy of a country that was once a war-torn recipient of WFP assistance to now emerging as one of the most developed countries in the world. Korea’s own development story of ending poverty and hunger stands as a brilliant example of what WFP strives to achieve in the countries where it operates.”