UNICEF India appoints Hima Das as first ever Youth Ambassador

New Delhi: UNICEF India appointed sprinter Hima Das as the country's first ever Youth Ambassador here on Wednesday.

Hima's inclusion as a youth ambassador is part of a series of initiatives and events to advocate for a safe and supportive environment in schools for both boys and girls, in the lead up to World Children’s Day on November 20. On this day, the Convention on the Rights of the Child was ratified.

An 18-year-old girl from the Dhing village in Assam, Hima has emerged as an international medal-winning sprinter. She won a silver medal in 400 metres at the recently concluded Asian Games in Jakarta. She was also part of the quartet which won a gold in women's 4x400m and a silver in 400m mixed relay events in the quadrennial extravaganza.

“It is an extremely proud moment for me. As an athlete, I get to meet a lot of young people and as UNICEF’s Youth Ambassador I will be able to amplify their voices and issues,” Hima said. “I want for every child, regardless of their background, gender or ability, to be able to access schools that are safe and supportive so that they can learn and thrive.”

This World Children’s Day, UNICEF Youth Ambassadors will be appointed across the globe to inspire other youngsters to take action and effectively catalyse children and young people as agents of change.

Laura Siegrist Fouche- representing UNICEF India, said, “Hima is a young athlete and she can inspire millions of young people to realise their dreams and aspirations. By appointing her as our first ever Youth Ambassador, we aim to leverage her potential in galvanizing children and adolescents to bring about positive change in the country.”