Oxfam Global Ambassadors: Johansson, Lennox, Tutu…

Oxfam launches Global Ambassadors programme, with A-listers Scarlett Johansson, Annie Lennox, Colin Firth, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Helen Mirren topping the bill

For immediate release: 24 July 2007

Scarlett Johansson has become the latest celebrity to join Oxfam's Global Ambassador program, officially launched today. Scarlett decided to sign up following a trip to India and Sri Lanka where she visited young Dalit girls in a rural school, and survivors of the tsunami. She joins an influential group of international A-listers and global statespeople including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Colin Firth, Gael Garcia Bernal, Coldplay, Annie Lennox and Dame Helen Mirren.

"I want to be a part of the great work that Oxfam is doing, and am glad that by being an Ambassador I can continue to be involved with the organisation," said Johansson. "Once you've met amazing people like the Dalit girls I met on my trip you just can't turn your back. I was shocked by a lot of what I saw, but seeing the fantastic work Oxfam was doing I also felt that there was hope."

Singer, Annie Lennox said: "Its such a great honour to be part of Oxfam and act as their Ambassador. I truly feel that the more voices that unite behind Oxfam's work and become part of this global campaigning force the more real change we can affect. The outcomes of the G8 this year are a disappointment and we must not allow politicians and governments to get away with breaking promises around health and education, which are essential for developing nations. I am in this fight for the long term and proud to stand side by side with Oxfam and it's work."

Actor, Gael Garcia Bernal said: "I am a firm supporter of Oxfam´s campaign because I believe that only through a concerted effort will we be able to make a difference. We have to help small-scale farmers to have a voice and then - together with millions of others - exert huge pressure on decision makers to change the trade rules. This is the only way to fight poverty."

Oxfam has benefited for many years from the support of numerous celebrities around the world, whose dedication and commitment continue to make a huge contribution to its work. The new Global Ambassador programme will formalise relationships with some of the organisation's most well-known supporters and enable them to go further in their work to help Oxfam meet its goals of overcoming poverty and injustice.

"Our Ambassadors are listened to across the world, and their support helps to give a voice to people who would not otherwise be heard. Through their work, Oxfam's campaigning messages can reach a much wider audience and have huge impact on decision makers. We are delighted to have so many credible and passionate Ambassadors from across the globe." said Claire Lewis, Oxfam's International Artiste Liaison Manager.

ENDS

Current Oxfam Ambassadors: Angelique Kidjo, World Music Singer, Benin; Coldplay, Rock Group, UK; Colin Firth, Actor, UK; Archbishop Desmond Tutu, South Africa; Djimon Hounsou, Actor, Benin; Gael Garcia Bernal, Actor, Mexico; Helen Mirren, Actress, UK; Miguel Bose, Actor, Spain; Scarlett Johansson, Actress, US; Tegla Loroupe, Runner, Kenya; Annie Lennox, Songwriter, UK; Minnie Driver, Actress, US; Anthony Wong, singer, Hong Kong; Emmanual Jal, Musician, Sudan; Kristin Davis, Actress, US; Rahul Bose, Actor, India.

Oxfam also continues to be grateful to celebrities from the worlds of music, theatre, art and sports who also support the charity.

For more information about Oxfam's Ambassador Programme see: www.oxfam.org/en/news/ambassadors

About Oxfam International: Oxfam International is a confederation of 13 organisations working together with over 3,000 partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.

© Scoop Media