Alsou Abramova is the new Russian face and voice of culture, education, and the sciences for UNESCO. An ethnic Tatar and Muslim, and born into a prominent wealthy family, her mother is an architect, and her father, a Russian oligarch, former Lukoil executive, and owner of FC Zhemchuzhina football team. At 28, Ms. Abramova is a veteran and international icon, having recorded her first song at age 15. Her past and ongoing social passions and commitments have propelled her to UNESCO’s Artist for Peace distinction. UN News Centre and UNESCO Source She is being recognized for “her commitment to help the most vulnerable people throughout the world, her charitable activities aiming to empower childhood development, and her dedication to the ideals and aims of the organization,” according to a news release issued by UNESCO. In 2000, Ms. Abramova took home second place in the popular Eurovision Song Contest. She has recorded albums with artists such as Enrique Iglesias, Bon Jovi and the rapper Nelly. In 2001, she won the Best Russian Singer MTV-Europe Music Award. She is also one of the founders and organizers of the International Folk Music Festival of Peoples of the Volga River, which attracts thousands of spectators every year, and of the Rainbow Foundation, which helps restore schools and hospitals, build churches and mosques and assists underprivileged people worldwide. UNESCO’s Artists for Peace also include Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil, Canadian singer Celine Dion, Spanish dancer Joaquín Cortés, Cameroonian musician Manu Dibango and Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid. They work to heighten public awareness of the agency’s work in culture, education, the sciences, and communication. ---By, Susan Sacirbey Become a Fan on Facebook: “Diplomat Artist” and “Diplomatically Incorrect” Follow on TWITTER @: DiplomaticallyX Other Related Film and Blog Reports: “Julieta Venegas: Diplomat Artist” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/julieta-venegas-diplomat-artist/26001 “UNESCO – History & Mission” diplomaticallyincorrect.org/films/movie/unesco-historymission/26942 Diplomat Artist Channels: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/diplomat-artist Diplomatically Incorrect Channels: diplomaticallyincorrect.org/c/diplomatically-incorrect