Katy Perry calls on Viet Nam’s young professionals to help improve children’s lives

During her panel session, Perry took questions from the audience and moderated a discussion with young professionals who are working to make a difference for Vietnamese children’s lives.

She also shared her own personal stories, including her wish to have had more consistent and better quality education. Perry then encouraged young people to use social media and technology as a modern megaphone to advocate for causes they believe in.

 "As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, I try to use my voice to help inspire other young, bright people like yourselves," Perry said to over 1,200 young Vietnamese professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, activists and students. "I also want to amplify your voices on issues and concerns that are most important to you. You are the ones that can make the most difference to the future."

Viet Nam has made impressive gains for its young people over the past 20 years. However, the gap between rich and poor has widened, with many children and young adults left behind, lacking basic necessities such clean water, good nutrition, quality healthcare and inclusive education.

UNICEF Viet Nam works towards ensuring that every child goes to school, has access to quality healthcare and nutrition and is protected from abuse and exploitation.

"Katy Perry came to Ho Chi Minh City in her role as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador to call on this country's young professionals to act locally, show leadership and be socially conscious entrepreneurs to improve the lives of Vietnamese children," said Mr Jesper Moller, UNICEF Viet Nam's Deputy Representative.

Under the theme: "The Next Generation", Forbes Viet Nam's Under 30 Summit focused on the generation of young people who were born in the 1970s and '80s. A full day conference including keynote speeches, on–stage interviews and panel discussions addressed the identity of this generation, their opportunities and challenges, their vision for Viet Nam's future.

UNICEF Viet Nam partnered with Forbes Viet Nam, IDG Ventures and YAN Media for this Under 30 Summit.

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Notes to Editors:

About UNICEF:

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org/vietnam/

For further information, please contact:

• Laura Ngo-Fontaine, UNICEF Hanoi, Tel +0966 539 673, lngofontaine@unicef.org
• Marissa Buckanoff, UNICEF New York, Tel +1 212 326-7513, Mobile +1 917 345-6425, mbuckanoff@unicef.org
• Kate Donovan, UNICEF Media, Tel + 1 212 326 7452. kdonovan@unicef.org