To young people living with albinism: You are not alone. I sometimes felt very alone and very special. Sometimes in a bad way but most of the times in a good way. You are not alone, there is a whole alliance of persons with albinism who are here to stand beside you. We all can fight those beliefs about albinism.
On the occasion of International Albinism Awareness Day on 13 June 2022, the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, has appointed Xueli Abbing as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Fight against Discrimination and Racism.
Xueli Abbing lives with albinism, a genetic disorder caused by a deficiency in melanin production that results in hypopigmentation. Adopted at the age of 3 in China, Xueli Abbing grew up in the Netherlands. Her unique beauty led her to become a model at the age of 11 and to work with the world's top photographers and fashion designers
There, she has found a platform to celebrate differences and inspire others to embrace their natural beauty, drawing attention to the discrimination that threatens people with albinism.
In addition to her modeling career, Xueli Abbing has participated in a series of lectures on inclusion at Oxford University and in several television programs designed to raise awareness of the inherited genetic condition of albinism.
UNESCO and Xueli Abbing share the conviction that diversity is valuable and that, under all circumstances and in all places, every individual must be able to reveal their full potential.
On the basis of a roadmap to be entrusted to her by the Director-General of UNESCO, she will carry out actions to raise international awareness of human rights and the dignity of the most vulnerable, particularly people with albinism.
With this nominatio, Xueli Abbing joins the family of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors and Artists for Peace who put their fame and talents at the service of the Organization. Through their creativity, their initiatives and their influence, they carry the ideals and programs of UNESCO throughout the world.
Photos of the nomination ceremony: here
Press release: here