LONDON — David Beckham, the soccer star-turned-entrepreneur, landed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland this week to accept a Crystal Award for his philanthropic work with children and young people.
He accepted the award from Hilde Schwab, chairwoman and co-founder of the World Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum, and alongside other winners Diane von Furstenberg and Riken Yamamoto.
Schwab said that the award reflected Beckham’s “dedication to using his fame for social change, leaving a lasting impact.”
Beckham, who is marking his 20th anniversary as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador this year, said in his acceptance speech that he has always believed in the potential of children.
“When children are given time, opportunity and encouragement they will reach their full potential. Growing up, I benefited from that support – from family, from coaches, from teachers,” he said.
Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto, Belgian fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg and former England football captain David Beckham.
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“Today there are more children in need, and at risk, than at any time in recent history … and it is always the most vulnerable children who face the biggest challenges – especially girls. Girls are held back by poverty. Girls are held back by violence. Girls are held back by discrimination,” he added.
He also spoke candidly about being a father to three boys and a girl, and said he wants his daughter, Harper, to have the same opportunities as her brothers. “That should be the case for all girls everywhere,” he said.
Diane von Furstenberg at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.
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Von Furstenberg, the designer, philanthropist and author, received the award for helping to empower women through philanthropy, mentoring and social responsibility.
“I was surprised and it’s a great honor to be in front of that audience,” von Furstenberg told WWD in a preview story last week. “It’s hysterical that it’s happening at the exact same time that [President Donald]Trump is being inaugurated.”
Previous recipients of the award include Charlize Theron, Shakira, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margaret Atwood.
