Heidi Klum is adding a meaningful new title to her long list of accomplishments. The supermodel and former “America’s Got Talent” judge has been named UNICEF USA’s newest ambassador, marking the next chapter in a partnership that has spanned more than a decade.
Klum Named UNICEF Ambassador
Klum has worked with UNICEF since 2011. She has become one of the organization’s most recognizable celebrity advocates.
Over the years, Heidi has helped promote the annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. She has also traveled internationally to witness the organization’s efforts firsthand.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Klum said, “I’m incredibly honored by this recognition. After working closely with UNICEF for a while now, becoming a UNICEF USA Ambassador means so much to me because it deepens my commitment to helping children around the world.”
Klum Reflects on Emotional UNICEF Visits
While working with UNICEF, Klum said she has visited programs in both Haiti and India. These are experiences she says left a lasting impact on her as both a humanitarian and a mother. In particular, one memory has stayed with her.
Klum talked about seeing premature babies wrapped in plastic bags under desk lamps in Haiti. It helped her to realize how much so many of us have. Yet, there are so many kids around the world who are still lacking basic necessities.
Klum would meet these mothers facing hardships. She said it helped her to realize that all parents want, no matter where they are, is for their children to be safe, loved, and protected.
Small acts of kindness and how these children reacted to them were one thing that stood out to Klum. She said, “A smile, a hug, someone truly listening to them and playing with them, those moments can bring hope back into a child’s world.”
‘Play Is Not a Luxury’
This announcement by Klum and UNICEF comes right before the United Nations’ International Day of Play on June 11. This is a day that highlights play as a fundamental right for children.
According to Klum, people often underestimate the importance of play. It can be life-changing for these kids, especially for those children living through conflict, poverty, or crisis.
Heidi said, “Play is not a luxury for children, it’s a right.”
UNICEF was able to deliver thousands of recreation and early childhood development kits to children in high-stress environments in 2024. By doing this, it helped create opportunities for joy, healing, and normalcy during difficult times.
Klum also thinks kids should be introduced to philanthropy at a young age. This can help them understand the power they have to make a difference.
She told PEOPLE, “When a child holds that little orange box and realizes that the coins they collect can actually buy clean water, medicine, or nutrition for another child across the globe, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Creativity & Her Family
Creativity is a huge priority for the mother of four and her family. Even though they all have busy schedules, she encourages her kids to explore their interests through art, music, cooking, or other creative outlets.
The “Project Runway” host and judge recently made headlines while stepping onto red carpets with her son Henry, who has begun pursuing modeling. Klum said she never forced any of her kids to follow in her footsteps. However, she was beyond thrilled to support Henry when he decided to try out modeling.
