Simu Liu Named the New Ambassador of UNICEF Canada

The role, officially announced on Monday, will see the 31-year-old “Kim’s Convenience” star raise awareness for children’s rights in Canada and around the world.

UNICEF, the world’s leading organization focused on children, operates in more than 190 countries and territories to provide protection, healthcare, nutrition, education and sanitation.

Liu welcomed his new role in an Instagram post.

“Being a @UNICEFCanada ambassador means being able to shed a light on the plight of vulnerable children all over the world. It means fighting for each child’s right to bare necessities like food, water, shelter, education and immunisation. It means cutting through the misinformation, politicking and manufactured outrage to address real issues affecting children today,” Liu wrote.

To kick things off, the upcoming “Shang-Chi” star will appear at a virtual event on Nov. 20 for National Child Day (Canada) and World Children’s Day (global).

The event, titled “Take Back the Future,” will see young people speak out and make policy recommendations on various issues, including education, mental health, Indigenous sovereignty, climate change, democracy and systemic racism.

“Gen Z will be our salvation – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again,” Liu said in a statement. “I cannot wait to meet the young advocates who are leading Canada into a better, reimagined and more equitable future.”

A series of virtual “Stay In to Speak Out” sessions leading to the event is ongoing. Youth ages 12 to 24 can register here to participate.

 

UNICEF Canada gathered more than 100 youth activists for a physical summit last year. Due to COVID-19, people will be limited to virtual activities this year.

“From coast-to-coast-to-coast, young people in Canada are staying in to speak out on their experiences with COVID-19. This generation will live with the impacts of the pandemic and how our leaders respond for years to come. They must be included in decisions that affect their future,” Alli Truesdell, UNICEF Canada’s Youth Participation Lead, said. “Young people demand to have their voices heard and we rally to their side to help them take back their future.”

Fans congratulated Liu on his new role.

“You’re amazing. Glad you are making the world better with your platform,” one said.

Another commented, “Now that’s our superhero!”

Liu is not new to being a voice of support for Gen Z. He participated in a charity event with basketball star Jeremy Lin to raise money for youth leadership development last year.

Feature Images via @UNICEFCanada (left) and @simuliu (right)