UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay has appointed Pharrell Williams Goodwill Ambassador for Arts Education and Entrepreneurship. Pharrell spoke to 800 students at UNESCO headquarters during a screening of Piece by Piece, his animated LEGO biopic which chronicles his inspiring career.

Williams said he that he plans to “Deepen that sense of unity and togethernes in work that evens the odds for marginalized communities.” He also spoke about his youth: “Growing up in Virginia, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be given an opportunity like this one.”

According to UNESCO's IG, "Pharrell will amplify UNESCO’s mission at major international cultural events and champion educational and cultural programs worldwide, particularly supporting young creators in Africa." Pharrell joins Herbie Hancock, Brazilian artist Vik Muniz and Japanese filmmaker Naomi Kawase, all UNESCO goodwill ambassadors.