To inspire and gather support of India’s 253 million adolescents towards the cause of children and young people, UNICEF India has appointed Asian Games Gold medalist Hima Das as the country’s first ever Youth Ambassador.
Hima’s appointment made on the Children’s Day on Nov 14 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 20 November. 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 award-winning sprint runner. She has won a silver medal in the 400 meters sprint at the recently-concluded Asian Games in Jakarta, and a gold in the 4X400 meters relay in the same event.
Through her appointment as a Youth Ambassador, she would act as a role model who will inspire millions of children and young people to take action in making the world a better place and ensuring that their rights are respected.
“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.”
