“My first big mission for UNICEF in Ethiopia was just to attract attention, before it was too late, to conditions which threatened the whole country. My role was to inform the world, to make sure that the people of Ethiopia were not forgotten.”
- May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993
- British
- Actress, Humanitarian, Fashion Icon, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
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Quote
“My first big mission for UNICEF in Ethiopia was just to attract attention, before it was too late, to conditions which threatened the whole country. My role was to inform the world, to make sure that the people of Ethiopia were not forgotten.”
Explanation
This quote reveals Audrey Hepburn’s deep commitment to humanitarian work after retiring from her acting career. Her words emphasize the urgency and importance of raising awareness about humanitarian crises, particularly in Ethiopia during the devastating famine of the 1980s. By stating that her role was simply “to attract attention,” she humbly frames her celebrity not as an end in itself, but as a tool for advocacy and global awareness.
The phrase “before it was too late” underscores the life-and-death stakes of the situation and Hepburn’s recognition that silence and neglect can be deadly. Her mission was not political or performative—it was to “inform the world” and ensure visibility for people who might otherwise be overlooked by the international community. This reflects her transition from film icon to active agent of change, using her fame with a sense of moral responsibility.
In today’s media-saturated landscape, Hepburn’s approach serves as a model for how public figures can wield their influence ethically. Her words continue to inspire both celebrities and ordinary individuals to speak out about injustice and humanitarian need. The quote is a powerful reminder that compassion must be visible, and that to be seen and remembered can be the first step toward survival and aid.
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