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American musician Pharrell Williams (51) received a rare honor. He was appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the field of arts education and entrepreneurship during a ceremony in Paris, France, on Thursday (17/12/2024).

Williams' new role for UNESCO will involve promoting various initiatives, including the protection of indigenous cultures, the safeguarding of cultural heritage, and the advancement of education. Additionally, he will also be dealing with issues of healthcare for women and raising awareness about genocide prevention.

"Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this. (I hope to) deepen the sense of unity and togetherness by doing work that balances opportunities for marginalized communities," said Williams.

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Born into a poor family, Williams grew up to become a renowned singer, producer, and songwriter. He has won 13 Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades. His songs, such as "Happy" (2013), resonate with the world.

In a statement, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay described Williams as a complete artist who is also a humanist. Williams is considered to work to place culture for peace and unite people, and believes in the power of creativity and education to build a better future.

"His commitment aligns with the mandate of UNESCO. I am pleased that he joins the UNESCO Ambassador family today to support our actions," said Azoulay.

Williams has become the latest artist to be an ambassador for UNESCO. Previously, the K-Pop group Seventeen, jazz musician Herbie Hancock, and several other artists have taken on that responsibility.

“Words cannot express how I feel about being selected by UNESCO as an ambassador,” Williams said. (BILLBOARD/UNESCO.ORG)

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie sparked controversy when she presented strategies for obtaining scholarships abroad on Instagram Live. This presentation was also broadcast on the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology's YouTube channel with the title—reportedly changed after receiving criticism—"Strategies for Entering Foreign Universities: Preparation for Prospective Overseas Study Participants, BIM Recipients."

The Advanced Indonesia Scholarship (BIM) is a scholarship program from the National Achievement Center. Some netizens were "irritated", considering Stella to be promoting a certain campus abroad (LN). Others defended her, including the Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Technology Togar Simatupang, and considered the provision reasonable.