Friday, April 15 2005 12:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New York: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan was today (Apr 15, 2005) formally named as the 'International Goodwill Ambassador' of the United Nations children's agency to create awareness in the fields of polio eradication and prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

As the Goodwill Ambassador of United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), his areas of focus would be creating awareness about polio eradication and prevention of HIV/AIDS through field visits, making special appearances at functions and speaking on behalf of children.

"I am thrilled to be named goodwill ambassador. This is a great honour for me. I truly hope that I will be able to make a difference in children's lives," said Bachchan after he put his signature on two-year commitment in presence of his wife Jaya, their son Abhishek, Indian Ambassador to the United Nations Nirupam Sen and Member of Parliament Amar Singh.

Bachchan joins the select group of celebrities, including the legendary Audrey Hepburn, Sir Roger Moore, Harry Belafonte and singer Angelique Kidjo, who also were ambassadors of the UN children's agency.

The superstar, who has already been helping the agency in getting its message across for polio immunization programme in India, expressed his gratitude for the honour to UNICEF but said designation does not matter if one wants to serve the community. "It is something that comes of heart."

Introducing Bachchan, UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said Amitabh has the "star power" to "illuminate the lives of million of children who are living in dire circumstances. We look forward to a long collaboration with him."