Canada & Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies appointed UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador!

Alphonso Davies was appointed as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador on Wednesday, March 24. The United Nations Refugee Agency has protected people from all over the world who are forced to flee from conflict or persecution for over 70 years. The Canada and FC Bayern defender is the first football player in the world in this role. “I am proud to join the UN Refugee Agency, as a Goodwill Ambassador. My own experiences make me want to speak up for refugees, to share their stories and to help make a difference,” said the 20-year-old.

Davies began supporting UNHCR in 2020, including through a live stream tournament for refugees. In February 2021, he helped launch a Canadian Government campaign, called Together for Learning, to promote access to quality education for refugees around the world.

“I want people to know about the importance of helping refugees, wherever they are, in camps or cities, in neighbouring countries or countries of resettlement such as Canada,” Davies said. “Refugees need our support to survive, but also access to education and sports, so they can fulfil their potential and truly thrive.”

The High Commissioner for refugees and head of UNHCR Filippo Grandi welcomed Davies to the group of Goodwill Ambassadors and said: “Alphonso Davies embodies the power of sport and it’s a great honour for us to have him with us. His personal story, his talent and his success as a professional football plus his commitment to help refugees are impressive. I’m looking forward to working with him.”