Sir Peter Ustinov
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador from 1968 to 2004
Sir Peter Ustinov’s accomplishments in the humanitarian arena and his unique work for more than 35 years as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador will not be forgotten.
Sir Peter was born in London in 1921 into a culturally diverse family – a Russian, German, French and Italian mix. This heritage was a source of pride for Sir Peter, who, on commenting on his background, often expressed, “I really have automatic loyalty to something like the United Nations.”
Appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1968, Sir Peter fulfilled the voluntary position with delight. His travels on behalf of UNICEF took him to Cambodia, China, Egypt, Kenya, Myanmar, Russia and Thailand, among other countries, and he lobbied Governments at the highest levels to recognize the rights of children worldwide.
Over his life, Sir Peter accumulated a considerable list of credits and awards, among them two Academy Awards for Best Actor and numerous Academy nominations, Emmys and a Grammy. He was also honoured in France as a Membre Etranger de l’Académie des Beaux Arts de l’Institut de France.
In 1990, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made Sir Peter a Knight of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of his artistic and humanitarian achievements.
Sir Peter died on 28 March 2004 in Switzerland. He was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for 36 years.