“Christiane Amanpour carried the banner of freedom of expression and journalist safety in the most difficult and dangerous areas around the world. She began in 1990 as a correspondent for CNN during the Gulf War and in other areas such as ex-Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Somalia and Rwanda. She interviewed many world leaders over the past two decades and has received prestigious awards, from the George Foster Peabody Award to the George Polk Awards, in recognition of her courage, her professionalism and her extraordinary commitment to freedom of expression…” recalled the Director-General during this event.

In her acceptance speech Christiane Amanpour called for the release of all imprisoned journalists and made a plea for the release of all imprisoned journalists, wherever they may be, and condemned the increasing number of attacks and assassinations of media professionals

Ms Heather Higginbottom, US Deputy Secretary of State for the management of resources, also spoke at this ceremony, emphasizing her country’s commitment to support UNESCO's work aiming to promote freedom expression and journalist safety.

Numerous Ambassadors and Permanent Delegates of Member States to UNESCO and other guests were present at this event.

As a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, Christiane Amanpour joined the ranks of celebrities who defend and disseminate the ideals of UNESCO through their fame. They generously put their talent and their contribution in order to focus worldwide’s attention on the work of UNESCO.