Copyright thenationalherald
PARIS – Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, has designated four prominent international personalities as Goodwill Ambassadors of the Organization: actor, director, and producer Gael García Bernal (Mexico); university president and publisher Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi (United Arab Emirates); banker and philanthropist Ibrahim Magassa (Côte d’Ivoire); and architect Costantza Sbokou-Constantakopoulou (Greece). “These individuals embody the diversity of talents and backgrounds that enrich UNESCO’s work,” stated Audrey Azoulay. “Through their influence, creativity, and commitment, these Goodwill Ambassadors will help convey the Organization’s messages within civil society – among youth, innovators, researchers, artists, businesses, and all those shaping the world of tomorrow.” Costantza Sbokou-Constantakopoulou, Goodwill Ambassador for the Protection and Promotion of Culture, is an architect, entrepreneur, and Chair of ‘Endeavor Greece’. Sbokou-Constantakopoulou champions the integration of creativity and innovation at the heart of sustainable development. An advocate for the preservation of Mediterranean cultural heritage, she will contribute her expertise to UNESCO programs dedicated to safeguarding and promoting cultural heritage. “In these challenging times of global conflict and crises, the need to safeguard our cultural heritage is more urgent than ever,” Costantza Sbokou-Constantakopoulou said. “As a Goodwill Ambassador, I aim to support and promote respect for cultural diversity and human creativity, building bridges that connect people and pave the way towards a more peaceful world.” UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors and Artists for Peace are distinguished individuals who lend their voice and influence in support of the Organization’s ideals and programs. Costantza Sbokou-Constantakopoulou, born in Crete, is co-owner and Chairwoman of Phāea, a leading, privately-owned hotel company in Greece. She is a Graduate of the School of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) and a Postgraduate of Harvard University, Graduate School of Design (GSD). She is an Executive Architect and Head of the Architectural & Procurement Department of TEMES S.A., a leading investor, developer and operator of high-end tourism and real estate destinations in Greece. Furthermore, Sbokou-Constantakopoulou has been serving as the Chairwoman of Endeavor Greece since March 2017. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Benaki Museum, a member of the Board of the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, a member of the Board of the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), and a member of the Advisory Council of both the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) and the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation (CVCC Foundation). Additionally, she is a Member of the Dean’s Leadership Council of GSD, Harvard University and the Board of Visitors for the Columbia University Engineering School. She also holds a position on the Board of Zeus + Δione S.A.
