Stevie Wonder became a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2009.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon appointed Wonder to the role in December 2009. The appointment recognized his long-standing advocacy for people with disabilities and his support for humanitarian causes.
Wonder had already used his public platform to promote disability rights and accessibility. His activism included involvement in efforts connected with making Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a U.S. federal holiday and support for international disability issues.
A Messenger of Peace is a public advocate who helps draw attention to the United Nations’ work. The appointment is distinct from being a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, a separate designation used for other public figures.