Shehzad Roy appointed as National Goodwill Ambassador for UN

Roy took to Twitter to express his gratitude as many came forward to congratulate him

Pakistani singer Shehzad Roy has been appointed as National Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The honour was announced on Twitter, where the organisation wrote, "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

— UN Office on Drugs & Crime (@UNODC) October 30, 2017

UNODC Executive Director 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

Speaking on his appointment, Mr Roy said, "I have been following UNODC's work even before joining them as a Goodwill Ambassador. Their work is commendable in the fields of criminal justice, drug demand reduction and HIV/AIDS prevention. These things are close to my heart especially when children are concerned, and I will give my all to my new role as National Goodwill Ambassador for Pakistan."

"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:

Congratulations @ShehzadRoy! Thank you for being a change-maker, giving hope and future to many vulnerable youth and children.

— Malala Yousafzai (@Malala) 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

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.

During his term, Roy will speak out on criminal justice and drug demand reduction, visit UNODC projects, educational institutions and rehabilitation centres, and raise awareness on the Office's important work.

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