Khaby Lame, the most-followed creator on TikTok, has been named UNICEF’s newest Goodwill Ambassador.
In his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Lame will use his global platforms to help raise awareness of children’s rights across the world, including education and training, empowering girls, protection from violence and abuse, and access to health, nutrition and a clean environment, the U.N. agency announced Friday.
The 24-year-old Senegalese-born Italian social media personality rose to fame on TikTok — where he currently has more than 162 million followers — with his trademark wordless comedic reaction videos.
“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.”
In the U.S., as of Jan. 19, TikTok technically became banned under a federal law requiring Chinese parent ByteDance to sell its stake to a party based in a country that is not a “foreign adversary.” TikTok shut down the app in the U.S. on Jan. 18 ahead of the law’s deadline (and it was removed from Apple and Google app stores) but the company restored service to U.S. users the next day citing incoming President Trump’s pledge to not enforce the ban while he seeks to broker a solution keeping the app legal. Trump on Jan. 20 issued an executive order instructing the U.S. attorney general to abstain for a 75-day period from enforcing the federal law, which criminalizes the hosting and distribution of TikTok unless ByteDance has divested its ownership.
Asked about the possibility that TikTok will be banned in the U.S., Lame provided the following statement to Variety: “TikTok has given me a way to share my humor and creativity with the world, and I want to see it stay accessible for everyone who loves it as much as I do. That said, I’ve always believed that great content can transcend platforms. Whether it’s TikTok, Instagram, or any other space, I’ll keep finding ways to make people smile.”
Lame joins a list of current UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors including Ishmael Beah, David Beckham, Orlando Bloom, Millie Bobby Brown, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Danny Glover, Angelique Kidjo, Ricky Martin, Leo Messi, Vanessa Nakate, Liam Neeson, Katy Perry and Shakira.
“We are thrilled to welcome Khaby Lame to the UNICEF family as a Goodwill Ambassador. Khaby is a passionate and powerful advocate for children and young people all over the world,” UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell said in a statement. “His creativity and unique perspective on the world have inspired hundreds of millions of followers, and will continue to motivate others in raising their voices and telling their stories in their own unique ways.”
Lame’s appointment was officially announced at an event in his birth country of Senegal, after the TikToker went on a four-day visit to meet children and young people who are driving positive change in their communities.
“During my time in Senegal with UNICEF, I’ve met many young people who are standing up in their communities and making a change — be it learning technology skills, finding solutions for climate change, or empowering each other with ways to stay safe from violence,” Lame said. “I’m excited to meet many more young inspirational leaders and innovators in my new role with UNICEF.”
