Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced that Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir has been appointed as their newest Goodwill Ambassador, joining the likes of Antonio Banderas, Connie Britton, the Crown Prince of Norway, and more. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Weir will work with the UNDP to raise awareness and garner support for the agency’s goal of ending poverty while simultaneously fighting climate change.
As noted in a press release, “Weir will help UNDP shine a spotlight on the important role climate action plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which were agreed upon by world leaders to protect the planet and achieve a brighter future for all. Weir will help UNDP advocate for climate initiatives and projects that promote renewable energy, preserve coastlines, combat deforestation and ensure a healthy planet for generations to come. ” ceremony honoring Weir’s appointment to take place during the eighth annual Social Good Summit in New York City
A ceremony honoring the founding member of the Grateful Dead’s appointment to take place during the eighth annual Social Good Summit—an annual event that taps leaders, activists, and celebrities from around the world to discuss and advocate for lasting progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (you can stream online the Social Good Summit for free here)—in New York City, which happens today. His first official act as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador will be a speech during the Social Good Summit on climate change and how technology can be used in the battle against it.
In the announcement press release, Weir had this to say about his recent appointment, “I am most honored to join the United Nations Development Programme as a Goodwill Ambassador. I am looking forward to working with UNDP to raise awareness of the grave issues and enormous opportunities affecting our planet and I hope to inspire others to join us. Together we can help keep our planet healthy and prosperous for future generations. . . . I will be a strong advocate for crucial climate initiatives and renewable energy, and for the world’s oceans, coastlines, and forests. We all need to ensure we fight to make the planet a better one for the generations that follow us.”
Achim Steiner, a UNDP Administrator, noted he was eager to have Bob Weir working with the United Nations Development Programme, stating, “I am delighted to be teaming up with Bob Weir to combat climate change and promote the Global Goals around the world. Bob’s particular passion for preventing deforestation will be critical in the fight for our planet, as deforestation and forest degradation account for more than 10% of global greenhouse emissions. Please join me in welcoming him to the UNDP family.”