Singer-actor Wang Junkai named as UN Environment Ambassador

BEIJING: Singer-actor Wang Junkai has been designated as UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador.

In his role as goodwill ambassador, Wang will connect with China’s youth on some of the most urgent environment issues of their generation, including pollution, air quality, wildlife protection, ecosystems, and more. In his acceptance speech, Wang said: “As a young actor and singer, I greatly appreciate UN Environment giving me this opportunity to be National Goodwill Ambassador. We youth have the responsibility to protect our environment and secure our future, and I am looking forward to learn from and work with the UN family on key environmental issues.”

Added Wang: “Youth are no longer merely onlookers when it comes to environmental action, nor should they be. I will spare no effort to do everything I can to take care of our earth, and I invite everyone to join me in generating a wave of positive action.”

Commented Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment: “It’s inspiring to hear a strong and determined voice of Chinese youth on environmental issues. When young people set their mind to change, incredible things can be accomplished. We’re very excited to work with Wang Junkai to create even more awareness about environmental issues and, more importantly, the solutions to these challenges.”

Wang, 18, is known for his leading role in the film Namiya General Store, top roles in various TV series and solo music career, he has amassed more than 40 million followers on Weibo, the Chinese version of Twitter. Both in China and in the South-East Asian region, Wang has been one of the leaders of the online conversation on the environment.