Supermodel Amber Valletta Named UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador
September 23, 2025
Supermodel, actor and activist Amber Valletta was announced as a United Nation’s Environment Programme goodwill ambassador at the UN General Assembly in New York today.
“It is an incredible honor to be named a UNEP Goodwill Ambassador,” Valletta said in a press release. “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.”
The 51-year-old model rose to fame in the 1990s, appearing on 13 US Vogue covers during the decade. She also walked shows for Prada, Dior, Calvin Klein and Gucci among many others. In the 2000s she diversified into acting but also followed another passion by studying environment at New York University and has remained a steadfast advocate for action on climate change.
United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors are high-profile individuals who have committed themselves to helping the United Nations and its specialized agencies focus worldwide attention on pressing global issues. They commit to volunteering their time, talent, and passion to raise awareness of UN efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere. Current UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassadors include actor Don Cheadle and chef Massimo Bottura. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen holds the title emeritus.
5 Times Amber Valletta Used Her Platform To Champion Environmentalism
Master & Muse
In 2013, Valletta was ahead of the curve in launching an ecommerce platform offering socially and environmentally responsible fashion in partnership with Yoox. The company closed in 2016.
Driving Fashion Forward Documentary
This four-part documentary series was produced and directed by Valletta, highlighting designers, models and brands who were embracing sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.
British Vogue Contributing Sustainability Editor
Valletta became British Vogue’s first contributing sustainability editor in 2020 writing a column championing the cause. She also appeared on the magazine’s January 2024 issue celebrating “sustainability trailblazers”.
Sustainability Ambassador for Fashion Institute of Technology
In 2021, Valletta cemented her ongoing work with the fashion college at the State University of New York as its first ever sustainability ambassador. She has previously delivered speeches at its annual Sustainable Business and Design Conference, mentored students from its Biodesign Challenge competition and donated to its Sustainability Fund which supports students developing technology and design solutions to environmental issues.
UN World Ocean Day Conference Host
Having spoken at the conference in 2008, Valletta returned as a host in 2022 bringing together thought-leaders, celebrities, community voices, private sector and cross-industry experts, and ocean managers on the topic of “Revitalization: Collective Action for the Ocean”.
Search
RECENT PRESS RELEASES
Related Post
