What is a Global Advocate?
The United Nations has a tradition of enlisting the volunteer services of prominent individuals from the worlds of art, sport, literature, entertainment and industry to highlight the aims, objectives and priorities of the Organization, to convey messages about its activities and to extend its public outreach.
What does a Global Advocate do?
The role of Messengers of Peace, Goodwill Ambassadors, Champions and Advocates is to engage in public advocacy and in fundraising where authorized and in accordance with the applicable regulations, rules, policies and procedures of the designating UN entity. They are encouraged to participate in United Nations events and to visit United Nations operations in offices and missions around the world. Every Messenger of Peace, Goodwill Ambassador, Champion and Advocate is expected to participate in a minimum number of activities or events every year. In the case of a Messenger of Peace or Goodwill Ambassador, a minimum of three activities is expected, while participation in at least two activities annually is expected from a Champion or Advocate.
When did the United Nations begin this programme?
The programme was established in 1997 and successive Secretaries-General have appointed celebrated personalities to lend their names, reputations and energy to press for a more peaceful world.
Former Global Advocates
Giles Duley
Mr. Giles Duley was designated as the first United Nations Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations on 3 December 2022, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Mr. Duley is a documentary photographer, writer, storyteller, chef and the CEO and founder of the Legacy of War Foundation, a charity supporting communities and individuals as the rebuild their lives after conflict. The organisation works in Rwanda, Ukraine and Lebanon and is one of the fastest growing international NGO’s. He was born in 1971 in London.
His work focuses on the long-term humanitarian impact of conflict. Starting his career as a music photographer, Duley worked with the likes of Mariah Carey, Oasis and Lenny Kravitz for publications including Q, Vogue, Sunday Times and Elle. In 2000 his image of Marilyn Manson was voted amongst the 100 greatest rock photographs of all time. In 2004 Duley changed his focus to documentary work, partnering with well-respected charities such as HI (Humanity and Inclusion), EMERGENCY, Save the Children and UNHCR to highlight lesser-known stories deserving of public attention and action. Although documenting challenging, and at times, horrific situations, Giles captures the strength of those who fight adversity rather than succumb.
On December 3, 2025, Giles Duley concluded his role as the UN Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations. The United Nations and UNMAS thank Giles for his dedicated service to Mine Action.
Daniel Craig
In April 2015, the UN Secretary-General designated the renowned actor Daniel Craig as the first UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards.
As the Global Advocate, Mr. Craig supports the UN Secretary-General by engaging in public advocacy to promote the vision of the United Nations to achieve a world free of the threat of mines and explosive hazards and to assist in mobilizing resources for the UN Trust Fund for Assistance in Mine Action. Mr. Craig visits UNMAS field programmes and leads annual global advocacy campaigns for the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action (4 April).
On April 4 2023, Daniel Craig concluded his role as the UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards. The United Nations and UNMAS thank Craig for his dedicated service to Mine Action.