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.”
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.”
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.”
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)