UNESCO designates marathon icon Kipchoge Goodwill Ambassador

Kenya's marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge was on Wednesday designated as Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at a ceremony held in Nairobi, reported Xinhua.

As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, the 39-year-old long-distance runner who has broken two world records and bagged two Olympic medals is expected to champion diverse causes including education, cohesion and ecological sustainability.

"Am deeply honored to accept the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador appointment," Kipchoge said.

"This moment is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the power of sports to inspire and transform lives. Sports is a universal language that teaches us teamwork, self-discipline and the importance of integrity," he added.

Kipchoge said that as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, he will leverage his athletic prowess to inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence and community service.

Besides a burning passion for long-distance races, Kipchoge said he is committed to promoting life-long learning for Kenyan youth alongside environmental conservation.

He vowed to harness the power of sports to inspire hope, promote resilience among communities, and forge a future that is just, fair, peaceful and green.

In October 2019, Kipchoge became the first human being in history to run a 42 kilometers marathon under two hours in Vienna, Austria, elevating his stature as a long-distance races icon.

Louise Haxthausen, the director of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa said that given his illustrious athletics career, Kipchoge is well-positioned to promote causes that align with the sustainability agenda.

In particular, Haxthausen said that Kipchoge will help strengthen communal bonds, protection of the environment, childhood education and peace in his new role as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

Eva Maina, the minister of Permanent Delegation of Kenya to UNESCO said Kipchoge embodies the values cherished by multilateral institutions such as inclusive development.

As UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Kipchoge is expected to leverage sports in promoting diplomacy, protection of cultural heritage and expansion of forest cover in Kenya and across the region, Maina said.