Musicians Baaba Maal and Inna Modja appointed UNCCD Goodwill Ambassadors

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Bonn, 17 April 2023 - The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is proud to announce that Baaba Maal and Inna Modja have been appointed as its Goodwill Ambassadors.

Both have previously served as UNCCD Land Ambassadors, helping the Convention raise awareness of land degradation, desertification and drought with their fans around the world.

In this new designation, the duo will act as honorary spokespeople, playing a crucial role in raising awareness and advocating for the objectives of the Convention with youth, women, children and affected communities.

It is hoped the new Goodwill Ambassadors will inspire the public and decision-makers to take practical actions and drive policies to achieve the Convention’s mission to promote sustainable land stewardship. They will also help advance efforts to reduce poverty and promote gender equality, especially among climate-vulnerable, land-dependent populations.

The UNCCD was set up in 1994 in response to the global challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought. The Convention works with its 197 Parties to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality by 2030,  a global target enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals. Up to 40 per cent of land worldwide is currently degraded, with dire consequences for our climate, biodiversity and livelihoods. Droughts are up 29 per cent since 2000, driven by both climate change and land degradation.

Ibrahim Thiaw, Under-Secretary-General and UNCCD Executive Secretary, said: “I am honoured that Baaba Maal and Inna Modja have agreed to take on the important role of UNCCD Goodwill Ambassadors. With their global influence and commitment to sustainability, these outstanding artists will play a crucial role in raising awareness around the importance of combatting desertification, land degradation and drought.

“I am confident that their appointment will significantly strengthen our efforts to mitigate today’s impacts of land degradation and advance tomorrow’s land stewardship to provide food, water, shelter and economic opportunity to all people in an equitable and inclusive manner.”

Baaba Maal, the Grammy-Award-winning Senegalese singer who produced music for ‘Wakanda Forever’ movie, said: “I'm proud to be a UNCCD Goodwill Ambassador, using my music and influence to fight against desertification, land degradation, and gender inequality. By empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities, we can shape a sustainable and just future for our planet. Join me in preserving our land, supporting climate-vulnerable communities, and empowering women to create a better world for all.”

Inna Modja, the Malian singer, actress and Sahel activist, said: “I am deeply honored to serve as a UNCCD Goodwill Ambassador. As a woman, artist, and climate and social justice activist, I believe it’s vital to empower women and youth and promote gender equality in the fight against desertification and land degradation. Together, we can create a brighter, sustainable future”.

Notes to editors

For more information or interviews, please contact: 

UNCCD Press Office: press [at] unccd.int (press[at]unccd[dot]int) or unccd [at] portland-communications.com (unccd[at]portland-communications[dot]com)

Xenya Scanlon, Chief of Communications, External Relations and Partnerships, xscanlon [at] unccd.int (xscanlon[at]unccd[dot]int)  

Sarah Banda Genchev, Goodwill Ambassador Focal Point, sbanda-genchev [at] unccd.int (sbanda-genchev[at]unccd[dot]int)

About UNCCD 

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is the global vision and voice for land. We unite governments, scientists, policymakers, private sector and communities around a shared vision and global action to restore and manage the world’s land for the sustainability of humanity and the planet. Much more than an international treaty signed by 197 parties, UNCCD is a multilateral commitment to mitigating today’s impacts of land degradation and advancing tomorrow’s land stewardship in order to provide food, water, shelter and economic opportunity to all people in an equitable and inclusive manner.

About Baaba Maal
Baaba Maal is a world-renowned Senegalese singer and guitarist who has been committed to various development challenges in Africa since 2003. He is known internationally as a music composer, US Billboard chart No.1 artist, and a Grammy winner. Baaba Maal is also a passionate advocate for sustainable development and environmental action.

About Inna Modja
Inna Modja, a Malian actress, singer, and environmental activist, appeared in and wrote the music for the UNCCD's 2019 Great Green Wall documentary. With a strong following in Francophone West Africa and France, Inna is a leader among the young people committed to changing the narrative of the Sahel.