Beyond the A-List

It is all over the news! Taylor Swift is getting married, and the internet can´t even process the seating chart yet. While we’re busy obsessing over the wedding of the year, it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate another kind of star power: celebrities who are using their fame to tackle global issues at the United Nations. From gender equality to climate change, these are the stars proving that influence is about more than headlines in your favourite pink magazine. 

Take Emma Watson, for example. Yes, Hermione Granger herself. She’s traded her wand for the mic (kind of) as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Remember the HeForShe campaign she launched in 2014? Emma literally asked men and boys to step up for gender equality, and she’s been slaying with speeches ever since. If you thought magic only existed in Hogwarts, think again, this is real-world wizardry. You can watch one of my favourite speeches by her here!

Then there’s Angelina Jolie, who could teach us all a masterclass in using celebrity for actual impact. As a UNHCR Special Envoy, she advocates for refugees and displaced people, traveling to conflict zones and speaking on behalf of those whose voices aren’t heard. Angelina proves that Hollywood influence can go way beyond red carpets and awards shows.

And let’s not forget our pop culture icon, Shakira. Yes, she can definitely make hips not lie, but she’s also dropping truth at the UN as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. From building schools to promoting early childhood education, Shakira shows us that chart-topping hits and global advocacy are not mutually exclusive.

Even David Beckham is in the mix. Sure, we all love his soccer skills, but he’s also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. He fights for children’s welfare worldwide. From school programs to field visits, Beckham proves that global change isn’t just for Hollywood actors or pop icons, it’s for anyone willing to step up.

And last but not least, Charlize Theron, who can handle a high-octane action scene and also fight HIV/AIDS in Africa through her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project. She proves that blockbuster energy and advocacy energy equal iconic vibes.

So yes, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of celebrity gossip. Weddings, breakups, red carpets… we stan, we scream, we post memes. But when stars step onto the UN stage, they’re doing something actually meaningful. They’re inspiring millions, pushing for change, and using their influence for causes that matter. And honestly? That’s a headline worth reading.