Victoria Beckham has been named a United Nations goodwill ambassador for the organization’s program on HIV and AIDS.
“I’m a passionate supporter of women,” Victoria said Thursday at a press conference at the U.N. building in New York on Thursday. “I want to support women, I want to empower women, and I believe that everybody has the right to a healthy life.”
“I’m a mother, I’m a woman, I want to do whatever I can do to lend my voice, raise awareness.”
The 40-year-old wife of soccer superstar David Beckham, who has also served as a U.N. goodwill ambassador, reportedly skipped the opening of her new London designer store to make the UN announcement.
HUGE news for @VictoriaBeckham! http://t.co/2KtUkeEBJv pic.twitter.com/qJAd9csSEk
— Harper's Bazaar (@harpersbazaarus) September 26, 2014
Pleasure to meet Jan Eliasson, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN @UNAIDS pic.twitter.com/kwe7qb1wDs
— Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) September 26, 2014
Other celebrities who have served as goodwill ambassadors include Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman.
1st meeting in my ambassador role for @UNAIDS with the 1st lady of Gabon @sylviabongo, discussing aids prevention vb
— Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) September 26, 2014
Victoria said it was a recent trip to Cape Town, South Africa that inspired her to get involved.
“I was so touched by the women that I met,” she said. “I felt inspired and I came home and knew I had to do something. It’s taken me getting to 40 years old to realize I have a responsibility as a woman, a mother. I have a voice that people will listen to.”
So proud of my first store opening! Look out for my pub opening next! #PoshFrox #VBDoverSt thank u @misterknight x vb pic.twitter.com/H6XkfvudRQ
— Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) September 27, 2014
So excited to visit my store today! Thank u to my wonderful team and customers I met today!! X vb pic.twitter.com/G72MFUPQyD
— Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) September 27, 2014