UNICEF has just appointed its newest ambassador: Actress, author, and human rights activist Aria Mia Loberti.
Loberti made her acting debut in the Netflix miniseries “All The Light We Cannot See,” which is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the same name.
She landed the role after a worldwide search for the perfect actress — starring as an activist with low vision, who sends secret messages via the radio during World War II.
But her work to help others goes beyond the screen. Loberti began working with UNICEF USA in 2022, traveling to Kosovo to see the organization’s work, and supporting the efforts to pass the READ Act Reauthorization in the United States.
The READ Act Reauthorization requires the U.S. government to update and report on its strategy to improve foundational literacy and numeracy in basic education for every child.
Prior to acting, Loberti was a Ph.D. candidate and Fullbright Scholar, having spent her childhood advocating for her own educational rights and access as a legally blind student.
“I faced abuse, neglect, and lots of hardships as a child, but I had loving parents to come home to, to fight for me and teach me how to advocate for myself. Many aren’t as lucky,” Loberti wrote in an Instagram caption after speaking at a UNICEF gala last fall.
Her challenging but triumphant background makes her work with UNICEF that much more meaningful.
“When I decided to explore acting, I knew that I wanted my journey to be grounded in purpose,” Loberti said in a statement for the organization.
“Working with UNICEF USA, having the honor of being named the newest Ambassador and being trusted with the responsibility of lifting up the voices of every child is exactly that purpose and is an overwhelmingly full circle moment for me.”
Alongside access to education, Lobarti is passionate about the environment and elevating the voices of young people who are most impacted by climate change.
In fact, this announcement comes while she is advocating on Capitol Hill for equitable access to education for women and girls disproportionately affected by the climate crisis.
“I will always work to ensure that every child has the right to a quality education,” Loberti said in a statement. “But until children have a clean planet to learn on and are not being displaced by the climate crisis, we must use our collective voice to demand climate action now.”
She joins the ranks of other high-profile ambassadors who have worked with the organization, like Millie Bobby Brown, Selena Gomez, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Liam Neeson, among others.
“We are honored to welcome Aria Mia Loberti to our family of UNICEF Ambassadors,” said chief marketing officer of UNICEF USA Shelley Diamond.
“Aria’s deep experience in the advocacy world makes her uniquely qualified to elevate the work UNICEF does to ensure that every child is healthy, educated, protected, and respected.”
Loberti has shared moments of her experience visiting Kosovo with UNICEF, where she learned from youth advocates about using their skills to develop climate solutions in their communities.
“I implore you to listen to these innovative voices, give them a seat at the table, and ensure they have the resources they need to transform ideas into action,” she said.
By bringing Loberti on board, UNICEF makes that call to action count, giving the actress the space to do more good for children near and far.
“I envision a world where every child is safe, loved, and seen and can live their life to the fullest,” Loberti wrote in November 2023.
“I hope someday stories like mine are no longer needed to be beacons of hope for a brighter future; a future where our most valuable resources — our children and our planet — can flourish.”
