World's most popular TikTok personality Khaby Lame joins UNICEF as goodwill ambassador

A 24-year-old influencer with over 162 million followers, Khaby Lame gained prominence through silent yet charming reaction videos that resonated with viewers during the pandemic. After losing his factory job, he utilized his newfound free time to create and upload more content, leading to a significant increase in his audience.

Recently appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Lame expressed excitement about the opportunity to witness global challenges firsthand and contribute to their solutions. He emphasized the importance of children's rights, drawing from his own experiences with poverty and disruption during his childhood, as well as his job loss due to the pandemic. Lame believes that every child can thrive when given the right opportunities.

In Senegal, where a large percentage of the population is under 25, many young people face tough conditions and are at risk of irregular migration to Europe. Lame encourages Senegal's youth to aspire higher despite external discouragement, urging them to pursue their dreams and strive for success.

Originally from Senegal, Lame moved to Italy as an infant with his working-class parents and received Italian citizenship at age 20. He proudly identifies as both Senegalese and Italian, acknowledging the duality of his heritage while reflecting on his journey so far.

Lame's new role with UNICEF coincided with a four-day visit to Senegal, during which he engaged with local children and youth. His commitment to making a positive impact on the next generation highlights both his personal journey and the broader challenges faced by young people in his home country.