She was a proud United Nations goodwill ambassador and also set up a school for destitute young girls in South Africa.

NPR: South African Singer Makeba Dies

Ms. Mebarak Ripoll became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in 2003, where she promotes the expansion and improvement of comprehensive early childhood care and education across the world.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

This year, the Forum was also marked by the active participation of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation and Academy Award winner, Forest Whitaker, and United Nations Youth Champion and star of High School Musical, Monique Coleman.

UNESCO: 2011 in social and human sciences