On 8 December in Geneva, during the annual session of the Council, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) of the United Nations appointed Kazakhstani artist and humanitarian Dimash Qudaibergen as a Global Goodwill Ambassador. This appointment reflects Dimash’s long-standing commitment to supporting people facing crisis situations.

In 2024, Dimash was named an IOM Regional Goodwill Ambassador. Using his global platform, he supported IOM’s work by raising awareness of migrants’ challenges, promoting their integration, and participating in fundraising efforts.

During his meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres during the latter’s visit to Kazakhstan in 2024, Dimash shared his vision of advancing humanitarian work through art.

In 2025, Dimash expanded his cooperation with IOM, taking part in a number of significant initiatives. He participated in IOM’s Ramadan campaign, sharing messages of compassion with millions of followers around the world, continued to draw attention to the issue of human trafficking and the need to protect people at risk, and met with the IOM Director General to reaffirm his commitment to supporting people affected by humanitarian crises.

Throughout his “Stranger” world tour — which reached audiences in New York, Mexico City, Barcelona, London, and Berlin — Dimash promoted the values of inclusivity and resilience, encouraging concertgoers to support IOM’s humanitarian work. Through these performances, he reached more than 100,000 people worldwide, helping increase IOM’s visibility and public engagement. Above all, his efforts drew attention to those who need it most, reminding audiences that behind every crisis are people striving to rebuild their lives.

During the Council session on 8 December 2025, Dimash performed one of his signature songs, “S.O.S d’un terrien en détresse,” for an audience composed of delegations from UN Member States and IOM staff. In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, IOM expressed gratitude to Dimash for championing the Organization’s mission throughout his “Stranger” tour, during which he consistently conveyed messages of solidarity with displaced and vulnerable communities.

“Dimash has used his voice not only to move audiences but to help ensure that people affected by crisis are seen and heard and their cultural diversity celebrated,” said Amy Pope, IOM Director General.

“His music reaches across borders, and his advocacy brings attention to the realities of people who are often overlooked. By sharing their stories with compassion and purpose, he embodies the spirit of resilience and inclusion that guides IOM’s work. We are proud to welcome him as an IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador and look forward to all he will contribute to this role.”

Addressing the distinguished gathering, IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador Dimash Qudaibergen said:

“Thank you very much, Director General Amy Pope, for your kind words, and thank you to everyone present today for the warm welcome. It is a great honor for me to be here with you, and I am truly grateful for this invitation.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the trust you have placed in me since I became an IOM Regional Goodwill Ambassador in 2024.

Working with IOM has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life and career. Through every campaign, every initiative, and every conversation, I have seen the impact this organization has on people facing uncertainty, displacement, and hardship.

Being named a Global Goodwill Ambassador is an incredible honor. I accept it with deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility.

As a Global Goodwill Ambassador, I will continue to advocate for migrants and raise awareness about safe migration. I will continue to promote the values of inclusivity and resilience. And I will continue to support your efforts in fundraising and emergency response.

Before I conclude, I want to thank my listeners around the world — my dear Dears. Many of them supported humanitarian initiatives during my tour, including those connected with IOM’s mission. Their kindness and willingness to help people around the world truly inspire me.

And allow me to say a few words in my native language.
For me, becoming an IOM Global Goodwill Ambassador is, above all, a great responsibility. But through this mission, I hope to support safe migration, promote kindness and care, and work to bring communities together. Every heart is a light that unites us, and through this light, we build one world together.

Once again, thank you for this great honor. I am proud to be part of the IOM family and look forward to continuing this important journey with you.”