Shakira Bestowed with Honor from UN

Entertainment Tonight, Thursday, March 4, 2010, 3:34am (PST)

The United Nations has presented pop star Shakira with a medal to acknowledge her philanthropic work for issues concerning children and youth.

Shakira founded the Barefoot Foundation in her native country of Colombia. The organization provides proper nutrition and an education to upwards of 6,000 children. It also extends its outreach to the kids' parents and community.

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At the ceremony in Geneva, Shakira made a call for others to offer service: "It's not too late to keep our promise to our children, but we must act now. Together, we can make education and decent work for all a reality."

Holding the issues close to her heart, the Grammy winning artist is also a founding member of the ALAS Foundation to promote public policies for children in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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Also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she explained how witnessing sub par conditions "shaped my dream and my vision of social justice: to see a world where every child can live a dignified life with the opportunity to reap the benefits of a good education and a chance to pursue their dreams."

The event was part of the UN's World Day of Social Justice celebration.

In February, Shakira spoke with President Barack Obama about social policy for children.

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