Queen Mathilde of the Belgians is set to continue her role as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocate for the next term.
The Queen of the Belgians, who has held the role since 2016, will be an Advocate for the 2021-2023 term along with 16 other advocates. Two other royals are among the leaders chosen – Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar (consort of the former Emir of Qatar and mother of the current Emir) and His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano (a state in northern Nigeria).
Chosen as new members of the SDG Advocates are the four group members of the international KPop girl group Blackpink (Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa and Rose) with millions of fans and followers across the globe. They joined Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, STEM activist Valentina Muñoz Rabanal and Microsoft President Brad Smith as the four new Advocates.
UN Secretary-General Antonia Guterres said: “I’m delighted to welcome our new SDG Advocates. They join and enhance a diverse group of leaders using their voice and knowledge to help the world reach the Global Goals. My thanks to all for their commitment, energy and drive.”
The other Advocates are Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, Ghanan President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Richard Curtis, Hindou Ibrahim, Graça Machel, Dia Mirza, Edward Ndopu, Jeffrey Sachs and Forest Whitaker.
The SDGs are 17 goals agreed to by the 193 member states of the United Nations in 2015; it has a deadline of 2030 “to build foundations for a thriving, peaceful, sustainable planet.”
Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden is one of the 11 emeritus members of the SDG Advocates.
