Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has once again made headlines, this time for landing a prestigious role as UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Sport, Integrity, and Values.
The two-time Olympic champion was unveiled at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi, where he embarked on a two-year journey to promote key global causes.
Kipchoge’s new role aligns perfectly with his personal values and his work through the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which champions education, environmental conservation, and youth empowerment.
A Perfect Match: UNESCO and Kipchoge’s Shared Vision
UNESCO East Africa Regional Director, Louise Haxthausen, expressed her excitement about working with Kipchoge, emphasizing that they share common values and priorities. According to Haxthausen, Kipchoge’s discipline, integrity, and passion for education and environmental conservation made him a natural fit for the role. “We have a very similar state of mind and priorities, and that is what made it a perfect match for us to join hands,” she said.
She also praised Kipchoge’s vision for using sports as a tool for positive change. His advocacy for environmental care and education strongly resonates with UNESCO’s goals, particularly in empowering young people. “He has a very strong engagement on environmental conservation and that is an area close to what UNESCO is doing,” added Haxthausen.
Kipchoge’s Commitment to Education and the Environment
For Kipchoge, this new ambassadorial role is an extension of his personal mission. Through the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, he has been tirelessly working towards improving education and environmental sustainability in Kenya and beyond.
His foundation focuses on three pillars: education, environment, and athletics. Kipchoge is particularly passionate about providing quality education for children, and through this new partnership with UNESCO, he hopes to make a lasting impact.
“UNESCO is particularly keen on environment and education, and the values of my foundation are the same. We want to go around the country promoting education, build kindergartens, and give children better classrooms,” Kipchoge stated. His vision doesn’t stop at Kenya’s borders, as he aims to spread his initiatives across Africa and globally, helping small communities develop and thrive.
Engaging with the Youth
During the launch event, Kipchoge also took the time to interact with children from various schools in Nairobi. The marathon icon answered their questions, showing his warm and approachable nature. One of the children asked, “Do you want your kids to be athletes like you?” Kipchoge, known for his humility, responded with a smile: “My sons love football. I want them to play the sport they want, and I can’t force them into athletics. But they must do a sport.”
This exchange perfectly encapsulates Kipchoge’s belief in the power of sports to shape lives. He understands that while his own path is one of marathon greatness, every child should have the opportunity to pursue their passion, whatever it may be.
A Global Icon for Positive Change
Eliud Kipchoge’s appointment as UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Sport, Integrity, and Values marks yet another milestone in the athlete’s storied career. His influence now stretches far beyond the track. As a global ambassador, Kipchoge is committed to using his platform to inspire change, advocating for education, environmental care, and the power of sports to unite communities.
This is not the first time Kipchoge has held this prestigious title. In October 2023, he was first named a UNESCO ambassador, and his stellar work in the months that followed led to this renewed two-year partnership. As he embarks on this new chapter, Kipchoge continues to prove that his legacy will not only be defined by the races he wins but by the lives he touches through his advocacy and humanitarian efforts.
The Future: Education, Sports, and Environmental Conservation
Looking ahead, Kipchoge plans to expand his outreach to neighboring countries and beyond. He hopes to work with UNESCO to build kindergartens, improve educational infrastructure, and promote environmental sustainability in communities that need it most. His long-term vision is to use sports as a bridge for better education, stronger values, and sustainable living.
In a world often in need of role models, Eliud Kipchoge stands tall as an example of how sports and personal values can drive positive change. Through his partnership with UNESCO, he aims to leave a lasting legacy not just in Kenya but across the globe.