Federer becomes Unicef goodwill envoy

New York - Swiss tennis world No 1 Roger Federer on Monday became the latest international celebrity to serve as a Unicef goodwill ambassador, and pledged to focus world attention on the plight of vulnerable children.

"I'm honoured to join the ranks of Unicef's goodwill ambassadors," the 24-year-old tennis superstar told a packed press conference at the headquarters of the United Nations' Children Fund here.

"I've been lucky in life, and able to pursue my passion for tennis since I was six years old. It's important to me to help the many children throughout the world who do not have the basic resources they need," he added.

Announcing the appointment, Unicef executive director Ann Veneman hailed the world's current top-ranked tennis player as "not just a role model for aspiring athletes, but for all those who believe that we have the power and responsibility to make the world a better place for children."

"Unicef looks forward to a long and fruitful partnership with him," she added.

Federer, a long-time advocate for children, followed in the footsteps of other celebrities assisting Unicef, including Britain's soccer star David Beckham, actress Vanessa Redgrave and actor Roger Moore as well as Senegal's pop vocalist Youssou N'dour.

He said he hoped to use his new role to focus attention on the plight of vulnerable children, particularly those suffering from HIV and Aids.

"It's like the tsunamis are happening every day," he said, referring to the worsening Aids crisis in much of the developing world. "And no one notices.

The son of a Swiss father and a South African mother, Federer said he was most proud of the foundation he established in 2003 to fund projects for underprivileged children, mainly in South Africa.

He said he hoped to extend the reach of the foundation worldwide.

He has also played an active role in promoting charity efforts.

In the wake of the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004, Federer helped spur several fundraising initiatives, including the ATP All-Star Rally for Relief in which the top men's and women's tennis players participated. - Sapa-AFP