Actress and former model, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan has become an International UN Goodwill Ambassador! The mother-of-one (Aaradhya Bachchan) has become a Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS (United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS), and will follow in the footsteps of friend and fellow actress, Preity Zinta, Hollywood actress and Oscar nominee Naomi Watts, singer Annie Lenox, HSH Princess Stephanie of Monaco and many influential activists.
At the press conference Aishwarya stated “I will initially be like a student, holding the hand of the organisation which will lead me to the real picture on the ground.”
About the being honoured with the role, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan states, “I don’t want to be just a poster girl, don’t want to be just part of a platform that will have my face and quotes and voice.”
She further elaborates, stating, “By coming on board, I hope to give further impetus to the work that UNAIDS has done and further contribute to the help spread the message. This is a turning point in my life. I wanted to be associated with the UN at a time when I could actually contribute to the work and the cause. UNAIDS’ passion is infectious and I would like to contribute to it. This is shared responsibility and we can achieve it and make it possible.”
Aishwarya has recently taken time off due to the birth of her 1st child, Aaradhya last November.
How has the actress coped, being a new mum? “It has been an absolute pleasure to take time off and take care of my daughter,” gushes the radiant new mother. What does the actress have in her sights for the future? “Now I am planning my time forward,” the mother-of-one, states.
Executive Director of UNAIDS couldn’t praise Aishwarya high enough, stating, “Aishwarya is respected and admired by millions of people around the world. I am convinced that through her global outreach, Aishwarya can help UNAIDS reach its goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children by 2015. We look forward to working with her to reach our collective goals.”
Check out the picture below of Aishwarya sharing a giggle with ED Michel Sidibe!
