Muniba Mazari, a celebrated public speaker, rights activist, artist, and United Nations Women National Goodwill Ambassador, has reached yet another milestone in her remarkable journey. She has been officially appointed as a UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate, joining an influential group of global leaders and change-makers dedicated to achieving the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This prestigious appointment recognizes her relentless commitment to promoting gender equality, inclusion, and social justice, not only in Pakistan but across the globe. The announcement was made by UN Women on Friday, highlighting Mazari’s inspirational leadership and unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive and compassionate world.
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A Voice for Equality and Inclusion
Muniba Mazari’s appointment is more than a symbolic achievement. It reflects years of consistent advocacy for marginalized voices, especially women, differently-abled individuals, and communities often excluded from mainstream opportunities. Known globally as the “Iron Lady of Pakistan”, Mazari has turned personal adversity into a driving force for social change.
Her new role as an SDG Advocate places her alongside some of the world’s most influential leaders, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Together, this group will focus on raising awareness, inspiring public action, and mobilizing global support for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which cover urgent issues such as poverty, education, climate action, and gender equality.
UN Secretary-General’s Recognition
In an official statement, UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised Mazari’s achievements and expressed confidence in her ability to make an impact on the global stage.
“Muniba Mazari is an inspiration to many and a prominent voice on inclusion and gender equality. I applaud her numerous achievements and unwavering commitment to equality, and I ask that she leverage her talent, influence, and platform to bring the Sustainable Development Goals to the forefront of global attention and action.”
This acknowledgment underscores the UN’s trust in Mazari’s ability to use her influence to create meaningful change and amplify the urgency of achieving the SDGs by 2030.
Muniba Mazari’s Response
In response to her appointment, Muniba Mazari shared her vision with a blend of humility and determination:
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as an SDG Advocate. This is not just a title — it’s a responsibility to use my voice for those who remain unheard and to inspire collective action for a healthier, fairer, and more compassionate world. Together, we can accelerate progress for people and the planet.”
Her words reflect her longstanding belief that true change begins when individuals and communities come together with empathy, resilience, and shared purpose.
Journey of Resilience and Inspiration
Muniba Mazari’s personal journey is as inspiring as her professional accomplishments. In 2007, she survived a car accident that left her wheelchair-bound. Instead of allowing this tragedy to define her, she transformed it into a source of strength and purpose. Today, she uses her platform to inspire millions with her message of hope, courage, and empowerment.
From becoming Pakistan’s first female wheelchair-bound television host, to establishing herself as a renowned artist, motivational speaker, and activist, Mazari has consistently broken barriers. In 2015, she was appointed as Pakistan’s first National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, a role through which she has advanced causes related to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
Role as an SDG Advocate
As a UN SDG Advocate, Muniba Mazari will play a crucial role in supporting and accelerating progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This includes:
- Raising Awareness – Highlighting the importance of the 17 SDGs and why global action is urgent.
- Mobilizing Communities – Encouraging individuals, governments, and organizations to take practical steps towards sustainable growth.
- Promoting Gender Equality – Using her voice to advocate for the rights of women and girls worldwide.
- Championing Inclusion – Ensuring that differently-abled people and marginalized communities are represented in development policies.
- Collaborating with Global Leaders – Working alongside fellow advocates to influence policy and inspire collective change.
The Global Relevance of Her Appointment
Muniba Mazari’s appointment carries global significance. At a time when the world is grappling with climate change, economic instability, and deepening inequalities, voices like hers bring urgency, authenticity, and hope. She represents not only Pakistan but also the broader struggle for inclusivity and justice in societies where many remain voiceless.
Her presence in the global dialogue on sustainable development highlights the importance of diversity in leadership. By sharing her personal story of resilience, Mazari humanizes the challenges of inequality and exclusion, making the case for more compassionate and sustainable policies.
Pakistan on the Global Stage
Muniba Mazari’s appointment also puts Pakistan in the spotlight as a contributor to the global SDG movement. Her role emphasizes the country’s potential to support international development agendas through voices of resilience, empowerment, and reform. It also sends a powerful message to Pakistani women and youth — that their voices matter and can influence change on the world stage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is Muniba Mazari?
Muniba Mazari is a Pakistani artist, motivational speaker, activist, and television host. Known as the “Iron Lady of Pakistan”, she has inspired millions through her resilience after surviving a car accident in 2007. She is also Pakistan’s first female wheelchair-bound Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women.
What is Muniba Mazari’s new role at the UN?
Muniba Mazari has been appointed as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate. In this role, she will promote awareness of the 17 SDGs, inspire action, and mobilize global support for achieving the 2030 Agenda.
Why was Muniba Mazari selected as an SDG Advocate?
She was chosen for her unwavering commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and social justice, both in Pakistan and globally. Her personal journey and leadership make her a strong voice for the UN’s mission of “leaving no one behind.”
Who are the other UN SDG Advocates?
Muniba Mazari joins an international group of leaders and influencers, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who are also advocating for the 2030 Agenda.
When was Muniba Mazari appointed as a UN SDG Advocate?
Her appointment was announced by UN Women on Friday, 2025, marking another milestone in her journey as a global advocate for equality and empowerment.
How does this appointment impact Pakistan?
Muniba Mazari’s role places Pakistan on the global stage as a contributor to sustainable development. Her appointment also serves as an inspiration for Pakistani women and youth, showing that their voices can influence global change.
What has Muniba Mazari achieved before this role?
In 2015, she became Pakistan’s first National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, where she worked to advance gender equality and empower women and girls. She has also gained global recognition as a motivational speaker and artist.
Conclusion
Muniba Mazari’s appointment as a UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate marks a powerful step forward in the global fight for equality, inclusion, and sustainable progress. Her story of resilience and leadership not only amplifies the voices of marginalized communities but also reflects the spirit of the 2030 Agenda — leaving no one behind. By joining hands with world leaders and changemakers, Mazari will play a vital role in raising awareness, inspiring collective action, and driving meaningful progress.