UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) announced on Thursday the appointment of Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram as its Regional Goodwill Ambassador, according to a press release from the agency.

    Sigrid Kaag, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, welcomed Ajram to UNICEF, and said that goodwill ambassadors "help focus the world's attention on the needs of children and can act as agents of change," according to the press release.

    UNICEF said Ajram will help raise the profile of children's issues, particularly in relation to early childhood development, protection from harm and young people's participation.

    Ajram, considered by many as an Arabic music icon of the decade, has been singing from an early age and her fame and appeal now span the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond. Describedas one of the most influential personalities of the Middle East, she has also been a dedicated supporter of children's issues in her native country Lebanon.

    "I have always been passionate about UNICEF's work. It is an honor for me to be given this opportunity to contribute to this work for children," Ajram was quoted as saying.

    "As a young mother with a small child myself, I relate even more to children and to mothers of the region," she added.

    According to UNICEF, Ajram is currently the second UNICEF Regional Ambassador for the Middle East and North Africa. Egyptian Actor Mahmoud Kabil has been holding this title since late 2003.

    UNICEF, founded in 1946, is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. Headquartered in New York, it is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.