Lisa Surihani is Unicef ambassador

New Unicef National Ambassador (3rd from left) Lisa Surihani putting a final touch on painting created by artist (far right) Haze Long to officiate her being the new ambassador for Unicef, helping them are (from left) Serene Zara Taufiq 10 and Medina Zaharah 9......Sam Tham/Star Publication....

KUALA LUMPUR: Actress Lisa Surihani has taken on arguably the most important role of her career as a Unicef national ambassador.

The role will see Lisa addressing issues such as violence against children, cyber-bullying, sexual exploitation and abuse, and digital safety.

“As a mother, I feel a sense of responsibility to work on these issues,” said Lisa.

“When Unicef offered me this role, it was a golden opportunity to learn how to advocate, and learn the right parameters to do so especially in this new age.”

It won’t be the first time Lisa has supported efforts to promote child protection.

The 30-year-old is one of the faces of The Star’s R.AGE ongoing MPs Against Predators campaign for laws against child sexual grooming.

She has also lent her star power (alongside comedian Harith Iskander, actor Fahrin Ahmad and recording artiste Hunny Madu) to help promote the national “Hentikan!!” child sexual crimes awareness seminar on Mar 13-14.

Unicef Malaysia representa-tive Marianne Clark-Hattingh said Lisa was a natural choice for the role.

“R.AGE’s Predator In My Phone campaign enhanced Lisa’s engagement in protecting and championing children’s rights,” said Clark-Hattingh.

“She has demonstrated her commitment to championing these issues ever since, and we are very happy to have her on board.”

Lisa joins the likes of David Beckham, Jackie Chan and Upin & Ipin as Unicef global celebrity goodwill ambassadors for children.