UNICEF Ambassador Heidi Klum on Motherhood, Compassion and the Power of Play
Model, television host, producer and business leader Heidi Klum has championed UNICEF’s mission since 2011. Now, she's taking that commitment to the next level as a newly appointed UNICEF Ambassador. A mother of four, Klum knows firsthand the profound responsibility of shaping the next generation — and the power of using her platform to advocate for a better, more equitable world for every child. We sat down with Klum to discuss what this ambassadorship means to her, how motherhood informs her work and the importance of protecting every child’s right to play.
Congratulations on being named a UNICEF Ambassador! What does this role mean to you, and what impact do you hope to create for children worldwide?
HEIDI KLUM: It is an honor to be named UNICEF USA’s newest Ambassador and to have the opportunity to work alongside so many passionate individuals who are advocating for every child. UNICEF’s mission — fighting for every child to be healthy, educated, protected and respected — is something that has always been very close to my heart, especially as a mother. I’m excited to continue using my platform to help raise awareness and create impact for children around the world.
How has being a mother changed the way you see the challenges children face around the globe?
HEIDI KLUM: Before being a TV personality, a producer or a UNICEF Ambassador, I am a mother first. Children have always been my number one priority. I believe that every child deserves safety, opportunity, health care and love.
It feels important to use my voice to help shine light on the challenges children face and inform people of what they are able to do to help. Everyone can make an impact. I want to keep encouraging people to get involved, and to remind them that no action is too small. Every child on this planet is every adult’s responsibility.
You've been part of the UNICEF family since 2011 and have played a key role in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign. Looking back over the past 15 years, which experiences have stayed with you most?
HEIDI KLUM: I have had so many meaningful experiences with UNICEF in the last 15 years, and I am just getting started. Two particular moments that I think of often are visiting Haiti and India. On both of those trips, I got to experience firsthand the incredible work that UNICEF does and the impact that it has. Also, getting to do UNICEF’s Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign has always been special. It pairs my favorite time of year with something so important to me.
UNICEF operates in more than 190 countries, addressing children's nutrition and health care, education, emergency response and more. Which areas of UNICEF's work resonate most deeply with you?
HEIDI KLUM: I'm especially moved by UNICEF’s work to support skills building for children and adolescents. I have had the privilege of shaping a career rooted in creativity and imagination, so seeing how UNICEF supports children’s dreams and ambitions has always been especially uplifting.
You've built a remarkable career — one centered on self-expression, confidence and authenticity. How do you think those qualities align with UNICEF’s work?
HEIDI KLUM: Every child deserves to feel seen, valued and safe enough to be themselves. Confidence and dignity are such important foundations because when children are supported, encouraged and given opportunities, you can see them light up and believe in their future. When children are denied those things through poverty, conflict or lack of access to education and health care, it affects every part of their development and sense of self.
That’s why UNICEF’s work is so important to me, because every child deserves the chance to grow up with hope, confidence and the feeling that their voice matters.
UNICEF celebrates International Day of Play on June 11. From your iconic Halloween celebrations to your creative work in fashion and television, you've never stopped embracing imagination and play at every age. What does play mean to you? Why do you think it matters so much for children, for all of us?
HEIDI KLUM: Play has always been a part of who I am. I believe that imagination and joy are not just for children; they are for everyone, at every age. For children especially, play is so much more than fun. It is how they learn and connect, and how they come to make sense of the world around them. Giving children the freedom to play gives them the freedom to grow. Play isn’t a luxury — it's an essential right, for every child.
Many people think that the challenges facing children today are too big or too complex for one person or organization to solve. What do you say to them?
HEIDI KLUM: The challenges facing children today are too big for any one person or organization to solve alone. That’s why being a UNICEF Ambassador means so much to me, because it’s about joining a global community that is working together to create real change for children and families.
I’ve seen firsthand through my work with UNICEF how powerful collective action can be when people come together with compassion and purpose. So, my message is simple: We need everyone. Every voice, every action, every bit of support can help make a difference for a child.
The well-being of every child is a shared responsibility. Whether you give, advocate or simply learn more, your support helps UNICEF reach the children who need it most. Ahead of International Day of Play on June 11, join Heidi Klum and millions of others who believe every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected — and full of hope.
HOW TO HELP
There are many ways to make a difference
War, famine, poverty, natural disasters — threats to the world's children keep coming. But UNICEF won't stop working to keep children healthy and safe.
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories — more places than any other children's organization. UNICEF has the world's largest humanitarian warehouse and, when disaster strikes, can get supplies almost anywhere within 72 hours. Constantly innovating, always advocating for a better world for children, UNICEF works to ensure that every child can grow up healthy, educated, protected and respected.
Would you like to help give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential? There are many ways to get involved.
