Cate Blanchett is known for her commanding performances on stage and screen — but her most powerful role may be the one she’s chosen behind the scenes: using her voice to stand with refugees around the world.
Since 2016, Blanchett has served as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, working with the United Nations Refugee Agency to advocate for people displaced by war, persecution, and climate disasters. Her involvement has taken her far beyond red carpets — to refugee camps, conflict zones, and policy forums where lives are on the line.
Her commitment began with a visit to Jordan, where she met Syrian families living in refugee camps. Moved by their resilience and the stories they shared, Blanchett began using her influence to shift public perception, promote compassion, and call for greater global responsibility.
Over the years, she has traveled with UNHCR to meet Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and families fleeing violence in Lebanon and Nigeria. Her approach is learning directly from those who have lost their homes and often their sense of belonging.
Blanchett has also used her platform to speak out at the highest levels. In 2022, she addressed the UN Security Council to urge greater protection for displaced people, especially those affected by the war in Ukraine and ongoing global crises. Her speeches are marked by clarity, empathy, and an insistence that refugee rights are human rights.
Through film, interviews, and public appearances, Cate Blanchett is helping to humanize one of the most pressing issues of our time — and pushing for real solutions. She continues to challenge stereotypes, advocate for safe asylum, and support long-term opportunities for displaced families to rebuild their lives with dignity.
In a world where millions are still seeking safety, Blanchett is using her influence not for spotlight — but for solidarity.
Source: UNHCR – Cate Blanchett
