The Weeknd is the United Nations' newest Goodwill Ambassador

Toronto’s own Abel Tesfaye (better known as The Weeknd) is joining the ranks of other superstars looking to use their fame to make changes in the world by becoming a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

“The UN World Food Programme is doing urgent and important work to change and save lives on a daily basis and I feel passionately about addressing world hunger and helping people in need,” said the singer in a statement released following the announcement ceremony held on Thursday in Los Angeles.

The position follows generous donations made by Tesfaye to the World Food Programme, including a $1 million dollar donation to the organization’s efforts in Ethiopia after an outbreak of violence in the Tigray region of the country.

“Our partnership is an authentic extension of all our efforts and intentions to help those in need and bring an end to so much suffering,” he explained. The singer’s parents both hail from the east African country. 

 “Whether he is performing or speaking out about global hunger, The Weeknd’s voice is powerful and inspiring, only matched by his dedication to helping people around the globe,” read a statement by Barron Segar, WFP USA chief . “We are honoured that he has joined our mission. He will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of humanitarians in the fight to ensure no man, woman or child goes to bed hungry.”

Maybe the ambassadorship is what those Angelina Jolie dinners were about? Hm?

Those with an eye on celebrity media will probably remember when, earlier this summer, rumours sizzled about a romance between The Weeknd and actor/director/Brad Pitt ex Angelina Jolie. The two were spotted having dinner several times in the span of a couple months.

Jolie has worked with the UN for two decades and currently acts as a special envoy for the organization. We can’t decide whether or not we should start speculating about a possible romance again. 

One thing is for sure: ​​“The continuous record-breaking of charts, sales and streams, headlining the biggest festivals and stadiums in the world including this year’s Super Bowl, and his ever-mysterious public persona, have combined to establish The Weeknd as one of the most compelling and significant artists of the 21st century.” Yes, World Food Programme press release, that’s a sure thing.

The Weeknd also joins other celebrity advocates like Kate Hudson, designer Michael Kors, and Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown in repping the fight against global hunger.

His presence is sure to draw the attention of a younger demographic to the increasingly critical cause. 

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