Ons Jabeur, a tennis player from Tunisia, has been named the World Food Programme’s (WFP) newest Global Goodwill Ambassador. Acclaimed for her athletic abilities and dedication to social concerns, Jabeur will utilize her powerful voice to promote awareness of the world’s food insecurity and the WFP’s effort to eradicate hunger.
The first Arab woman to compete in three Grand Slam finals and hold the number two ranking in the world, Ons Jabeur, has continuously shown that she is committed to changing the world outside of the tennis court. As a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Program, she will promote fair access to wholesome food and initiatives aimed at resolving the underlying causes of hunger that impact marginalized populations across the globe.
“Ons embodies a spirit of resilience and determination that aligns perfectly with WFP’s mission and values,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “She has a deep passion for creating positive change that will further our efforts to end global hunger and promote sustainable development – we are thrilled to have her join our team.”
On accepting the role, Ons Jabeur said: “I am honored to join the World Food Programme as a Global Goodwill Ambassador. As an athlete, I understand the importance of nutrition, and I am eager to use my platform to contribute to WFP’s vital work in ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry.”
Jabeur plans to take part in several projects, such as a fundraising drive during Ramadan and one that centers on the Gaza emergency. She will use her international reputation to promote WFP’s initiatives, highlighting the vital role that nutrition plays in helping people—especially children—realize their full potential.
For Ons Jabeur and the World Food Programme, this partnership represents a critical turning point in their common goal of improving the lives of those afflicted by hunger and malnutrition.
The appointment takes place at a time when WFP is dealing with a difficult global environment and extremely high levels of acute hunger. However, financing for humanitarian relief is not keeping up with the expanding needs, which is causing the organization to reduce life-saving aid and jeopardize efforts to meet the enormous needs.
In November 2023, after Ons Jabeur’s victory over Marketa Vondrousova in the group stage of the 2023 WTA finals, she donated part of her prize money to the Palestinians who suffered from the Israeli’s occupation continued aggression.
Ons Jabeur became the first Arab woman to win a WTA tournament in June 2021 after she defeated Russian Daria Kasatkina in the Birmingham Classic final.