The Indian American chef and TV personality will focus on shining spotlight on inequality.
Emmy-nominated food expert and TV personality Padma Lakshmi now has a new role. On Thursday, she was made the new Goodwill Ambassador for United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
The Indian American, a great proponent of women’s rights and vocal advocate of civil liberties, will focus on fighting inequality and discrimination as a UNDP ambassador. Lakshmi’s new role would also entail mobilizing support for “sustainable development goals.â€
Lakshmi was given the title by UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, a ceremony was held at UNDP headquarters in New York on March 7.
During the press conference held at the time of her new appointment, Lakshmi addressing the press said: “As we celebrate International Women’s Day tomorrow, let’s remember that women and girls face some of the worst discrimination and hardships in the world.â€
She also added, “My main mission as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador will be to shine a spotlight on the fact that inequality can affect people in rich and poor countries alike. About inequality, Lakshmi said: Inequality is further compounded by gender, age, ethnicity and race. It especially affects women, minorities and others who face unimaginable discrimination in the societies in which they live.â€
On Friday, she tweeted: “Such an honor! I can’t wait to get started #GoodwillAmbassador”
Such an honor! I can’t wait to get started #GoodwillAmbassador https://t.co/WeMAfbGQUj
— Padma Lakshmi (@PadmaLakshmi) March 8, 2019
Earlier, UNDP tweeted: “Welcome to the UN family, @PadmaLakshmi!
“The newest @undp Goodwill Ambassador will help fight inequalities and mobilize support for the #GlobalGoals.”
Welcome to the UN family, @PadmaLakshmi!
The newest @undp Goodwill Ambassador will help fight inequalities and mobilize support for the #GlobalGoals. https://t.co/RMz3KFicUI
— United Nations (@UN) March 8, 2019
Lakshmi is best known as a food expert on TV, as a judge and host, as well as executive producer, of the Emmy award-winning series Top Chef. Extremely proud of her Indian roots, Lakshmi has been promoting Indian culture and cuisine both through her many shows on TV. A couple of years ago, she also did a limited edition make up line with beauty giant MAC, urging on the diversity and the need of brown inclusion in beauty world.
A best-selling author, Lakshmi has also co-founded the Endometriosis Foundation of America. Lakshmis parents are from Chennai in India, but she was brought up in Los Angeles. She has a daughter named Krishna Thea.
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‘Top Chef’ host Padma Lakshmi to receive 2016 Ellis Island Medal of Honor (May 3, 2016)