David and UNICEF
Football legend David Beckham OBE became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2005, having previously supported UNICEF’s work for children while playing at Manchester United Football Club.
In February 2015, UNICEF and David launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund to mark David’s tenth year as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
The 7 Fund is a unique partnership with the goal of helping children around the world – especially girls – break down barriers that too often steal dreams away: violence, bullying, child marriage and missed education.
I created my fund with UNICEF because I want a world where children grow up safe: safe from violence, war, poverty, hunger and preventable disease. A world in which every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Together we need to imagine a better future for every child and make sure that together we achieve it.
David Beckham
On 10 January 2005, the former England captain was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador with a special focus on UNICEF’s Sports for Development programme. Within days of his appointment David launched a global fundraising appeal for children affected by the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and travelled to UNICEF’s Supply Division in Copenhagen to see the crucial work being done to help.
During his time as a Goodwill Ambassador, David has travelled extensively to see UNICEF’s work. He has raised awareness and vital funds for urgent – and often hidden – issues affecting children, including malnutrition, emergencies, violence against children and AIDS.
David has continually spoken out on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable children and, in 2012, he met the UK Prime Minister David Cameron at Downing Street to call for more action to help children affected by malnutrition around the world.
David’s support for UNICEF’s emergency work has included a visit to the Philippines in 2014, where he met children and families affected by Typhoon Haiyan. He launched UNICEF’s emergency appeal to help the 1.7 million children who were displaced by the disaster.
Following his retirement from a glittering 20-year career in football, he marked his tenth year as Goodwill Ambassador by launching 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in February 2015. With the launch of the 7 Fund, David has committed to using his powerful global voice, influence and connections to raise vital funds and encourage world leaders to create lasting positive change for children.
