Actor and model, Amber Valletta, named UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on Tuesday 23 September 2025 named the American supermodel and actor Amber Valletta as Goodwill Ambassador. The designation was announced 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, land and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
Valletta, a proud member of the Cherokee Nation, is a fashion industry icon who has achieved extraordinary success in acting, entrepreneurship, and activism. Through her career, Valletta has been on the cover of more than 100 international Vogues and has starred in Hollywood blockbuster films and TV series.
“It is an incredible honour to be named a UNEP Goodwill Ambassador,” said 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.”
For many years, Valletta has lent her voice to the world of ethical and sustainable fashion. Her work in the field includes founding the online platform Master & Muse, offering stylish and ecologically responsible fashion and partnering with major brands on sustainable capsule collections. Her co-founded film production company, A Squared Films LLC, has also produced numerous films supporting progressive social and environmental themes.
“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.”
Valletta was appointed in 2020 as British Vogue’s first-ever Contributing Sustainability Editor and the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Sustainability Ambassador. In 2022, she was invited to host the annual World Oceans Day conference at the United Nations, where she emphasized the need for many industries to invest in conservation efforts.
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 that are close to their hearts. 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. UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassadors are designated by the UNEP Executive Director and approved by the Secretary-General of the UN.
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 enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.
