The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced the appointment of nine new Goodwill Ambassadors, three of whom are from the South-eastern, Eastern Europe, and Central Asian Region.

The new ambassadors are entertainers, artists, sports figures and other notable people, and they join IOM’s inaugural Global Ambassador, Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, announced last November.   

They will lend their names and dedicate their support to highlight the opportunities presented by migration and how it helps spread talent around the globe. The nine Ambassadors – eight individuals and one football club – are:   

• Ama K. Abebrese, Actress and Television Presenter, Ghana   
• Nicolas Marin Benitez, Photographer, Argentina/Aruba  
• Paul Choy, Photographer, Mauritius   
• Mouctar Diakhaby, Footballer, Guinea   
• Kofi Kinaata, Musician and Songwriter, Ghana  
• Dzanan Musa, Basketball Player, Bosnia and Herzegovina 
• Mirela Sula, Psychologist, Journalist and Author, Albania  
• Dimash Qudaibergen, Singer and Songwriter, Kazakhstan (with a regional role for Asia)  
• Club Atletico Peñarol, Football Club, Uruguay  

“I am thrilled to welcome these remarkable people as IOM’s new Regional and National Goodwill Ambassadors,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “They're trail-blazers and sources of inspiration around the world. Now, they'll make a difference in another way, joining our efforts to champion well-managed migration and improve the lives of people on the move." 

These Ambassadors were formally nominated by IOM representatives in their respective countries and selected following a thorough review and assessment process.  

The Ambassadors are committed to making a difference. Dimash Qudaibergen, a hugely popular singer all over Central Asia and further afield, stated: “In my role as an IOM Goodwill Ambassador, I am proud to advocate for the human rights of migrants. Let us unite for a world where every person is protected and open to opportunities.”  

Meanwhile, star footballer Mouctar Diakhaby noted: “From my family experience, I can say that migration can be beneficial if it is done in the right way. As an IOM Goodwill Ambassador, I want to use my cultural heritage and sporting experience to help raise awareness.”  

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM joined the United Nations system as a related organization in 2016.   

 

Notes to Editors  

For media inquiries, please contact: zbrennan@iom.int 

For more information on IOM's Goodwill Ambassadors, please visit: https://www.iom.int/iom-goodwill-ambassador-programme  

 The Goodwill Ambassador Programme is integral to IOM’s new strategic vision. Read more here 

 

List of Biographies  

DIMASH QUDAIBERGEN KAZAKHSTAN Dimash Qudaibergen is a Kazakh singer and composer. He holds the title of the People's Artist of Kazakhstan. CLUB ATLÉTICO PEÑAROL URUGUAY Club Atlético Peñarol was founded in 1891, by English, German and Uruguayan employees. It has a long history of supporting migrants. AMA K. ABEBRESE GHANA Ama K. Abebrese is a Ghanaian actress, television presenter, and film producer. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to African entertainment industries. PAUL CHOY MAURITIUS Paul Choy is an internationally renowned documentary photographer and writer. He is particularly focused on social justice, culture, and the environment. MOUCTAR DIAKHABY GUINEA Mouctar Diakhaby has made a name for himself in football, marked by his determination and talent. Of Guinean origin, he grew up in Nantes, France, and now plays for Spanish club Valencia. KOFI KINAATA GHANA Kofi Kinaata is a musician and songwriter from Ghana, well known for his Fante rap and freestyle, earning his title as the Fante Rap God. He is noted for his lyrical dexterity and humor, mixed with traditional African proverbs in his local language. NICOLAS MARIN ARGENTINA/ARUBA Nicolas Marin is an award-winning underwater photographer, activist, journalist, and explorer. Based in Mexico, he has been named one of the 100 youth environmental leaders of the world. DŽANAN MUSA BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Džanan Musa is a professional basketball player from Bosnia and Herzegovina. He currently plays for Real Madrid of the Spanish Liga ACB, securing the EuroLeague title in 2023. MIRELA SULA ALBANIA Mirela Sula, a renowned member of the Albanian diaspora in the UK, is the CEO and Founder of Global Woman Magazine and Global Woman Club. She is the organizer of the Global Woman Summit and Global Woman Awards. MO FARAH UK/SOMALIA Sir Mo Farah, the Olympic gold champion long-distance runner, was trafficked as a child from Somalia to the UK and forced into child labour. Considered one of the greatest runners of all time, he retired from the track last year.