Yang Lan, one of China's best known media personalities and philanthropists, has a new title, UNICEF Ambassador in China. Yang is the first ambassador to be appointed by UNICEF in China.

Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF China Representative, presents a certificate to Yang Lan.[China.org.cn/Xiang Bin]

"I am very happy and honored to accept this appointment. UNICEF has done an outstanding job in improving the condition of children throughout the country in cooperation with the Chinese government. It is a privilege to be asked to join their work and I will do whatever I can to support them," Yang said at a press conference yesterday.

UNICEF was the first United Nations agency to appoint celebrity ambassadors to help call attention to the urgent needs of children. The first UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador was American comedian Danny Kaye, who was appointed in the 1950's. Today, nearly 200 celebrities and artists from around the world serve as UNICEF Ambassadors.

"Yang Lan, who has always committed herself to charity work, is one of China's best known celebrities. She is also the mother of two children. That's why we chose Yang as our first ambassador in China," Dr. Yin Yin Nwe, UNICEF China Representative said.

UNICEF China aims to enlist Yang Lan's support for public advocacy on key child rights issues such as support for children of migrant workers both in cities and their home villages, ending discrimination against children affected by HIV/AIDS and social inclusion of children with disabilities.

"I get a great sense of fulfillment from charity work and I'm very proud to play my part. As a media personality, I will try my best to get the whole society to pay attention to our children because they are the future of our country," Yang said.

Yang Lan answers questions at the press conference.[China.org.cn/Xiang Bin]

Yang Lan is China's most famous talk show host and a media mogul in her own right. With her husband, Bruno Wu, she co-founded Sun Media Investment Holdings, one of China's leading media groups. She has been called "China's Oprah Winfrey."

About UNICEF in China:

UNICEF first worked in China between 1947 and 1951, providing emergency services, food and nutrition, health and hygiene training, during and after the Chinese civil war. In 1979 UNICEF recommenced cooperation with China and today supports child health and nutrition, clean water and sanitation, education, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF works around the world in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive.