UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors have widely recognized talents and achievements in the fields of art, science, literature, entertainment, sports, and other areas of public life. These outstanding personalities help mobilize the public interest in the goals and principles of UNESCO, as well as demonstrate their commitment and proven potential by addressing a large audience in order to support the values of the Organization.

"Artists for Peace" come from the worlds of art, music, poetry, and literature. On November 29, 2016, Professor Herman Makarenko – conductor of the National Opera of Ukraine, artistic director - chief conductor of the Kyiv-Classic Orchestra, People's Artist of Ukraine, Ambassador of Ukrainian Culture – received the status of "UNESCO Artist for Peace". Herman Makarenko became the first Ukrainian artist to be awarded such an honorary status of UNESCO.

"UNESCO Sports Champions" are eminent personalities of sport who have unique and outstanding achievements in sports. The status of UNESCO Champions of Sport was founded by the Organization with a view to form healthy life skills in modern youth, as well as to disseminate positive role models examples for the new generation. The title was awarded by the Director-General of UNESCO K. Matsuura to famous Ukrainian athletes Serhiy Bubka (in November 2003) and brothers Vitaliy and Volodymyr Klychko (in December 2006) for their significant contribution to the promotion of UNESCO’s values through sport.

The "Honorary Ambassador of the Decade of Literacy" promotes education around the world, especially the education of women and children.

"Special Envoys" are bearers of UNESCO standards who raise awareness of the Organization's activities. Through their professional work and personal charisma, they help raise awareness of UNESCO's goals and activities around the world.

"Goodwill Ambassadors" are world celebrities who spread the ideals of UNESCO, using their talent and status to focus global attention on UNESCO's activities. Through their career and humanitarian commitment, the Goodwill Ambassadors make an important contribution towards UNESCO's objectives and aims: build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences, Culture, Communication and Information.