Ben Stiller is known worldwide for his comedy and blockbuster films, but off-screen, his greatest role might be as a humanitarian. Through The Stiller Foundation and his work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, he has dedicated himself to supporting education and advocating for refugees across the globe.
Founded in 2010, The Stiller Foundation began with a simple but powerful goal: to improve educational opportunities for children around the world. Stiller recognized that education is not just a pathway to success—it’s a lifeline. The foundation has supported rebuilding schools in Haiti after the devastating earthquake, funded teacher training programs, and helped communities recover through education-driven initiatives. His focus on Haiti continues to this day, symbolizing his belief in sustainable, long-term impact rather than one-time aid.
But Stiller’s efforts didn’t stop there. In 2016, he deepened his humanitarian work by joining the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) as a global Goodwill Ambassador. Since then, he has traveled to some of the world’s most vulnerable regions, including Guatemala, Jordan, and Ukraine, meeting refugees and sharing their stories with the world. His advocacy shines a light on the human side of displacement—families, children, and individuals forced to flee their homes due to war or persecution.
Stiller’s approach is grounded in empathy. Rather than speaking for refugees, he focuses on amplifying their voices and calling for global compassion and understanding. His visits and public advocacy campaigns have helped raise awareness and encourage support for UNHCR’s mission to protect and assist more than 100 million displaced people worldwide.
Through his foundation and his humanitarian outreach, Ben Stiller demonstrates that fame can be a powerful force for good. Whether rebuilding classrooms in Haiti or visiting refugee camps in conflict zones, he continues to remind the world that hope and action go hand in hand.
Source: UNHCR
