Lahore (Web Desk): United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) appoints Pakistani singer Shehzad Roy as National Goodwill Ambassador for the organization.
The organisation announced the honour on Twitter, “UNODC Chief designates popular Pakistani singer Shehzad Roy as National Goodwill Ambassador.”
UNODC Chief designates popular Pakistani singer Shehzad Roy as National Goodwill Ambassador https://t.co/Z2myhobj4B pic.twitter.com/x0AeXRJ2JZ
— UNODC (@UNODC) October 30, 2017
Executive Director of UNODC Yury Fedotov said, “Throughout his career as a singer, social worker and a humanitarian, Mr. Roy has shown an unwavering commitment to tackling illicit drugs.” “His position as one of Pakistan’s most famous singers, his enduring popularity with young people, and his energy and undoubted talent, will help UNODC publicise the dangers of drug abuse,” he added.
Roy took to Twitter to express his gratitude. He wrote, “It’s an honour to be designated as the UNODC National Goodwill Ambassador.”
It's an honour to be designated as the UNODC National Goodwill Ambassodor. https://t.co/zgdOJejjci
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) October 30, 2017
“It is disheartening to see children imprisoned for petty crimes or drugs ruining the lives of young people. If I can help one child out of prison or convince just one boy or girl to turn away from drugs, I feel proud that I have made a difference,” said Mr Roy upon accepting his two-year assignment.
Many came forward to congratulate Roy:
Malala:
It's an honour to be designated as the UNODC National Goodwill Ambassodor. https://t.co/zgdOJejjci
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) October 30, 2017
Ali Zafar:
A true humanitarian. Proud of you always @ShehzadRoy https://t.co/QmnmaTBr5Q
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) October 30, 2017
Bryan Adams:
Congrats to my friend @ShehzadRoy on his ambassadorship https://t.co/08G2Ine4xC
— Bryan Adams (@bryanadams) October 30, 2017
Earlier, in 2005, Roy received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of the highest civil honors awarded in Pakistan for excellence in public service. For his organisation’s rehabilitation work after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, he was also awarded the Sitara-e-Eisaar in 2006.