Alek Wek -- model, designer, and refugee advocate -- also spoke at UNHCR's recent Refugee Congress in Washington, DC.

This year marks 60 years of leading and coordinating vital international action to safeguard the rights of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. Over the past six decades, UNHCR has given more than 50 million people a voice, a home and a chance at a better life.

The historic event includes a dynamic program of speakers and guests who are leading advocates on refugee issues.

Celebrity keynote speaker will be Alek Wek, model, designer, and refugee advocate who was forced to flee Sudan at age fourteen to escape the civil war. 

After being discovered at a London street fair, she quickly rose to the top of the modeling industry and was named “Model of the Decade by i-D magazine and one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.” Wek’s influence extends far beyond the fashion world as she served on the advisory board for the U.S. Committee for Refugees, launched the Bracelet of Life campaign in conjunction with Doctors Without Borders, and most recently collaborated with Bono’s RED charity to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Distinguished honorees include: 

• Juju Chang, Emmy Award-winning journalist and Special Correspondent for ABC News Nightline. Chang is best known for her coverage of the devastating earthquake in Haiti and other breaking humanitarian news stories
• Farooq Kathwari, Chairman, President and CEO of Ethan Allen Interiors, Inc., a renowned leader in international issues
• Jack Leslie, Chairman of Weber Shandwick, the world’s leading public relations and public affairs firm. Leslie served as an advisor to the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy and is well known for his work in political and business leadership and communications.

Annie Griffiths will serve as Masters of Ceremonies.  Griffiths was one of the first women photographers to work for National Geographic and is a world renowned photographer, author and speaker. 

The evening will begin with cocktails at 6:30, followed by dinner and the program to commemorate the life-saving work of UNHCR in the field, honor long-time friends and supporters and raise much needed funds for the organization’s humanitarian work.

Tickets are Still Available - Order Yours Online or Contact Julie Spero at (212) 245-6570

 

About the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR):

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950, by the United Nations General Assembly.

The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country. It also has a mandate to help stateless people.

In more than six decades, the agency has helped tens of millions of people restart their lives and has twice been the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, a staff of some 7,190 people in more than 120 countries continues to help some 36.4 million persons.

 

About the United States Association for UNHCR (USA for UNHCR):

Established by concerned American citizens, the United States Association for UNHCR is a 501(c)3 organization that supports the Agency's work around the world while building support and awareness in the United States for UNHCR's life-saving relief programs.

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