Multi-Grammy Award-winning Ricky Kej appointed as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador

NEW DELHI - UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has today announced the appointment of Indian multi-Grammy Award-winning music composer, humanitarian and environmentalist Ricky Kej as its newest national Goodwill Ambassador.

Commenting on his new role, Kej said “I am so honoured to be appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR. I have seen inexplicable grit and passion among the refugees I have interacted with, and I am excited to use my experience and ability as an artist to help raise awareness, advocate and inspire the world to stand with refugees.” Kej has been appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador of UNHCR to help create awareness, understanding and compassion for the situation of refugees in India and globally.

Kej has been supporting UNHCR by mentoring and providing opportunities for refugees who are musicians, since 2019. As a global artist and musician, Kej uses his music to spread the message of kindness and tolerance. “Shine Your Light”, a song he released in 2020 with 24 refugee musicians living in India was an anthem for humanity, togetherness, and solidarity. The song was a great inspiration and source of comfort in a truly difficult time. Due to its message of peace and solidarity, in 2022, it was performed at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Most recently, to commemorate the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating India’s 75 years of independence, Kej worked with 12 refugees from four nationalities to produce a heart-warming rendition of the Indian national anthem which garnered huge public support.

“Ricky is a passionate and committed humanitarian at heart, and we welcome him to the UNHCR family in his new role as a Goodwill Ambassador. His dedication will have a positive impact on UNHCR’s mandate to protect and assist refugees, internally displaced persons, stateless persons across the world,” said Oscar Mundia, Chief of Mission for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in India and The Maldives.

Over the years, Kej has helped create solidarity and awareness around a wide range of refugee issues and encouraged policymakers and other prominent members of society to act.

Ricky Kej is a two-time Grammy® Award Winner, US Billboard #1 artist and has performed at prestigious venues in over 30 countries, including the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva. Ricky has won over 100 music awards in 20 countries.