Heidi Klum’s newest title is not another fashion job, television gig, or Halloween crown.
The supermodel, host, and entrepreneur has been named UNICEF USA’s newest Ambassador after more than a decade of work with the organization. In an exclusive interview with People, Klum said the role feels “incredibly personal” because of what she has seen through UNICEF and what motherhood has taught her about children’s safety, joy, and basic needs.
The appointment comes ahead of International Day of Play on June 11. Klum used the announcement to focus on children’s access to play, especially in places affected by conflict, crisis, and instability.
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Klum Has Worked With UNICEF Since 2011
Klum’s UNICEF title is new, but the relationship is not.
UNICEF USA lists Klum as a supporter since 2011. The organization says she has used her platform to spotlight UNICEF’s work for children around the world.
People reported that Klum has supported the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign and traveled internationally to see UNICEF’s work firsthand.
In her new role, Klum said she wants to use her voice to support every child’s right to a healthy, safe, and hopeful future.
Her UNICEF Trips Took Her to Haiti and India
Klum told People that her UNICEF trips to Haiti and India stayed with her as a mother.
She said she met mothers who had endured extreme hardship and saw premature babies in Haiti wrapped in plastic bags under desk lamps for warmth. Klum said the experience made her think about how many children still lack basic necessities.
UNICEF USA says Klum traveled to Haiti in 2012, where she visited UNICEF-supported programs after the 2010 earthquake, including a health clinic, a neonatal unit, and a child-friendly space for psychosocial support.
UNICEF USA also says Klum visited India in 2015, where she learned about programs tied to neonatal care, clean water and sanitation, girls’ education, and empowerment.
She Is Focusing on Children’s Right to Play
International Day of Play is marked on June 11, and Klum told People that play is not a luxury for children.
She said UNICEF treats play with urgency because it can bring comfort and joy to children living through conflict and crisis.
People reported that UNICEF delivered nearly 20,000 Early Childhood Development Kits and more than 27,000 recreation kits to children in high-stress environments around the world in 2024.
Parents reported that Klum also connects play to her own childhood in Germany, where she remembered playing outside, jumping rope, playing house in the forest, and making up games after school.
Her Children Are Part of the Story
Klum is mother to four children: Leni, Henry, Johan, and Lou.
Parents reported that Klum said she tried to give her children room for art, swimming, music, dance, screen time, and games with one another.
Klum also told Parents that her youngest daughter, Lou, chose to spend eight weeks volunteering at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles instead of joining the family on holiday.
Klum said she did not prompt the decision. Lou came to her and said she wanted to volunteer.
Project Runway Is Also Returning
Klum’s UNICEF announcement comes as her entertainment work continues.
People reported that Project Runway season 22 will debut July 9 on Freeform and stream shortly after on Hulu and Disney+. Klum returns as a judge alongside Law Roach and Nina Garcia, with Christian Siriano back as mentor. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The UNICEF role sits outside that TV cycle. Klum has spent years supporting the organization’s work for children, and the new Ambassador title makes that role official.