Public speaker and rights activist Muniba Mazari has been appointed as a UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocate. She has previously served as Pakistan’s first female UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.

The announcement was made on Friday by UN Women. It recognises her work for gender equality, social justice, and inclusion in Pakistan and around the world.

As an SDG Advocate, Mazari will join global leaders, including Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. She will work to raise awareness, inspire action, and mobilise support for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Mazari’s work in an official letter. He called her “an inspiration to many and a prominent voice on inclusion and gender equality.” He asked her to use her influence to bring attention to the SDGs globally.

Mazari said she feels “deeply honoured” by the appointment. She added, “This is not just a title. It is a responsibility to speak for those who remain unheard. Together, we can build a healthier, fairer, and more compassionate world.”

Mazari first gained recognition in 2015 when she was appointed as Pakistan’s UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Over the years, she has championed the empowerment of women and girls, becoming a prominent voice for equality both nationally and internationally.

In 2015, Mazari was one of only two Pakistanis named in the BBC’s list of 100 most inspirational women. She works occasionally as an anchor for Pakistan Television, becoming the organisation’s first wheelchair-using host.

Mazari has also made her mark in fashion and media. She became the first wheelchair-using model for Toni & Guy salons in Pakistan. In 2016, she was listed in Forbes’ “30 under 30” for her achievements.

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