Amber Valletta has been tapped as UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador.

The designation was revealed on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, as nations gather to address key issues affecting humanity, including the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

Throughout her career, Valletta, a member of the Cherokee Nation, has been involved in modeling, acting, entrepreneurship and activism.

“It is an incredible honor to be named a UNEP Goodwill Ambassador,” said the 51-year-old Valletta. “This role represents both a personal milestone and a profound responsibility. My work as an environmentalist has always been rooted in the belief that we each have the power to protect and restore our planet. As part of the United Nations mission, I hope to use my platform to amplify urgent environmental issues, champion solutions that create real impact, and inspire collective action toward a more just, healthy, and sustainable world.”

Valletta’s work in the world of ethical and sustainable fashion has included founding the online platform Master & Muse, which offers stylish and ecologically responsible fashion, and partnering with major brands on sustainable capsule collections. Her cofounded film production company, a Squared Films LLC, has also produced numerous films supporting progressive social and environmental themes.

In 2020, Valletta was named a sustainability ambassador for the Fashion Institute of Technology and in 2022, was invited to host the annual world Oceans Day conference at the UN. In 2020, she was also named British Vogue’s first contributing sustainability editor. She was also named a sustainability ambassador for Karl Lagerfeld in 2021 and worked on various sustainable project initiatives.

“UNEP is proud to welcome one of the world’s most iconic supermodels to our family — not only as a fashion figure, but as a passionate environmental advocate,” said UNEP executive director Inger Andersen. “Sustainable fashion is not just some trend, but a rapidly growing movement tackling the mounting footprint of the fashion and textile sector on our environment. Amber’s advocacy shows that style can be redefined to be in greater harmony with ecosystems. Her voice and experience, which bridges culture with climate issues, will help turn awareness into the action we need.”

The UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and engaging nations and people to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

The UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassadors are designated by the UNEP Executive Director and approved by the Secretary-General of the UN. They are high-profile individuals who have committed themselves to helping the UN and its specialized agencies focus worldwide attention on pressing global issues. These prominent public figures volunteer their time, talent and passion to raise awareness of UN efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere.

Other UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassadors (global) are Don Cheadle, actor, producer and director, and Massimo Bottura, chef and food systems activist.