Smriti Mandhana Appointed UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate
On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, observed on 11 October, UNICEF India announced the appointment of Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana as its Celebrity Advocate. The initiative aims to promote equal rights and opportunities for children, particularly adolescent girls, and support their empowerment, health and well-being. UNICEF formally announced the appointment on 12 October 2026.
Smriti Mandhana as UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate
Smriti Mandhana is one of India’s leading women cricketers and an Arjuna Award recipient. She was part of the Indian team that won the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, India’s first title in the tournament.
In her new role, Mandhana will support UNICEF India’s efforts to advance adolescent girls’ empowerment, health and well-being. She has previously supported UNICEF–International Cricket Council (ICC) campaigns on gender equality and life skills, along with UNICEF’s Promise to Children campaign.
Her appointment highlights the role of sportspersons and public figures in promoting children’s rights, gender equality and opportunities for girls to learn, play and lead.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
About: UNICEF was established on 11 December 1946 by the United Nations General Assembly to provide emergency assistance to children affected by the Second World War.
Name: Originally called the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, it became a permanent part of the UN system in 1953 and was renamed the United Nations Children’s Fund. The acronym UNICEF was retained.
Headquarters: New York City, United States.
Mandate: UNICEF works to protect children’s rights, meet their basic needs and expand opportunities for children to reach their full potential. Its work covers health, nutrition, education, sanitation, child protection and emergency assistance.
Guiding framework: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) recognises children’s civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Organisational structure: UNICEF is governed by a 36-member Executive Board. Members are elected by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for three-year terms.
Funding: UNICEF relies on voluntary contributions from governments, private-sector organisations, civil society and individual donors.
UNICEF and India
UNICEF began its work in India in 1949 and established its office in Delhi in 1952. It works with government bodies and other partners to improve children’s health, nutrition, education, protection and overall well-being.
India is a member of UNICEF’s Executive Board in 2026, representing the Asia-Pacific regional group. Its current membership term extends until 31 December 2027.
Important Facts for Exams
- Event: International Day of the Girl Child.
- Date observed: 11 October every year.
- UNICEF Celebrity Advocate: Smriti Mandhana, appointed in October 2026.
- UNICEF established: 11 December 1946.
- Headquarters: New York City, USA.
- UNICEF became a permanent part of the UN system: 1953.
- Convention on the Rights of the Child: 1989.
- UNICEF began work in India: 1949.
- UNICEF Delhi office: Established in 1952.
- Executive Board: 36 members, elected by ECOSOC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana was appointed UNICEF India’s Celebrity Advocate to promote children’s rights and equal opportunities, particularly for adolescent girls.
It is observed annually on 11 October to promote girls’ rights and highlight challenges affecting girls worldwide.
UNICEF was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 11 December 1946.
UNICEF’s headquarters is located in New York City, United States.
Adopted in 1989, it is an international convention recognising the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of children.
