Senegalese-born TikTok star Khaby Lame, social media’s most popular personality, has been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador by UNICEF following a four-day visit to Senegal, where he met children and young people making a positive impact in their communities. Although the TikToker never speaks a word in his videos, he addressed the youth in his native country for the occasion.
“It’s a true honor to be appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and be part of an organization that puts children’s rights front and center every day,” Lame said in a statement. “From my own experience as a child fearing poverty, struggling to find my passion at school, and losing my job during the COVID-19 pandemic, to finding my place and calling in the world, I know that all children can thrive when they are given a chance and opportunity.”

Twenty-four-year-old Khaby Lame has assembled 162 million followers on TikTok, where he showcases his daily life without uttering a single word. His popularity surged dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he lost his job as a factory worker and devoted greater effort to his social media channel.
The influencer, born in Senegal, relocated to Italy at the age of 2 with his parents and received citizenship at 20. “My blood is from Senegal, but I feel Senegalese and Italian at the same time, he told The Associated Press in Dakar.

According to the news agency AP, Senegal is a significant source of irregular migration to Europe, with 60% of migrants being 25 years old or younger and 90% employed in informal jobs.
“I tell them to dream big. Try and do your best to accomplish your dreams, even though there are people telling you that you cannot reach them” Lame said in a statement to Senegal’s youth.

According to UNICEF, Goodwill Ambassadors are among the most recognisable faces of the organisation. They are prominent figures from the arts, music, film, and sports industries, playing a critical role in highlighting the challenges faced by children around the world. Alongside Khaby Lame, other current ambassadors include Millie Bobby Brown, David Beckham, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.
“Goodwill Ambassadors volunteer their time to raise awareness and mobilise support, helping UNICEF to reach the most disadvantaged children and adolescents with lifesaving help and hope.

UNICEF was among the first organisations to enlist Goodwill Ambassadors. In 1954, Danny Kaye pioneered the role of Ambassador-at-Large, paving the way for Audrey Hepburn, Sir Roger Moore, and the distinguished roster we have today.