Spanish actress Rossy de Palma is set to be appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Diversity at UNESCO during a ceremony at the agency’s Paris headquarters next Monday.
In its statement, UNESCO highlighted de Palma’s spirit of resilience, generosity, and her ongoing fight for equality. The organization said the appointment would help spread and promote UNESCO’s values and actions that support cultural diversity across the globe.
De Palma, who led the Camera d’Or jury at the Cannes Film Festival last May and is slated to be the guest of honor at the Paris Photography Photo Hall in November, is internationally recognized as an actress, model, singer, and visual artist, widely acclaimed for her collaborations with director Pedro Almodóvar. She has also worked with other renowned filmmakers such as Robert Altman, Mike Figgis, Terry Gilliam, and Patrice Leconte.
The ceremony is scheduled for October 17 at 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) at UNESCO’s headquarters, in the presence of UNESCO’s Director-General, Audrey Azoulay. This moment will mark the start of a broader initiative to elevate the visibility of cultural diversity in global cultural policy and programming.
UNESCO’s roadmap for de Palma emphasizes the preservation of the artist’s status, the recognition of indigenous peoples’ cultures, and the advancement of gender equality within the cultural sector. The organization underscored that the appointment would help amplify efforts to protect and celebrate diverse cultural expressions as a vital part of human development.
Throughout her long career, Rossy de Palma has been known for speaking frankly about social norms and challenging fatalistic views. Her public statements have often critiqued the limiting gaze directed at people who deviate from conventional standards, a theme that resonates with UNESCO’s commitment to dignity and inclusion. The agency has repeatedly condemned discrimination based on appearance or identity and has advocated for a more inclusive cultural landscape.
As a gender equality advocate and a leading figure in representing women in society, de Palma joined UNESCO’s campaign United Against Racism in 2020. The initiative emphasized that no physical characteristic should become a basis for discrimination or mistreatment, highlighting the importance of protecting human rights and equal opportunity in all cultural spheres. The appointment aligns with ongoing UNESCO efforts to support women artists and to ensure diverse voices receive fair recognition and influence within cultural institutions.
Her appointment as Goodwill Ambassador will likely involve collaborations with cultural institutions, outreach to communities, and participation in programs that document and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural identities around the world. Through speaking engagements, exhibitions, and educational activities, de Palma will contribute to the broader mission of UNESCO in fostering intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples. This is particularly significant in regions where cultural diversity faces challenges from social, political, or economic pressures, and in communities seeking to preserve ancestral arts and languages for future generations. The partnership is expected to enhance public awareness of cultural heritage and the critical role that creativity plays in sustainable development.
The story of de Palma’s career and her public advocacy illustrate how art and culture can serve as powerful catalysts for social change. Her work spans cinema, music, and visual art, and she has repeatedly used her platform to challenge stereotypes and to advocate for the rights and recognition of underrepresented groups. UNESCO’s selection reflects a recognition of her contribution to cultural life and her ability to inspire, educate, and mobilize audiences around the values of diversity, respect, and equality. The ambassadorial role will amplify these messages through international collaboration and cross-cultural projects, reinforcing UNESCO’s ongoing mission to safeguard cultural diversity as a cornerstone of peaceful development. [UNESCO attribution]