Pharrell Williams named UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador: A Call to dream Big

On Tuesday, December 17, Pharrell Williams, a multi-talented artist and creator, was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador in Paris. During an emotional ceremony, he received the honor from Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO’s Director-General.

At 51, Pharrell has been entrusted with a mission focused on promoting arts education and entrepreneurship.

Before the official ceremony, he presented his animated film Piece by Piece to an audience of 800 middle and high school students from the Paris region in UNESCO’s auditorium.

The artist used the moment to inspire the youth to “always dream bigger.”

In his speech, Pharrell reflected on his childhood in Virginia, marked by struggles as a “marginalized child.”

He also addressed the current divisions in society, urging unity and understanding. “It’s always us versus them… They are not like us,” he said, quoting rapper Kendrick Lamar’s song Not Like Us. The heartfelt message earned him a standing ovation from the young audience.

With his passion and vision, Pharrell Williams embodies hope for a future where arts and solidarity can bridge divides and foster progress.