Celebrities and public figures world-wide show their support for the 2021 Message of Peace and Goodwill

Hillary Clinton, First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Matthew Rhys, Cerys Matthews, Michael Sheen, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Jess Fishlock, Rhys Patchell, British Ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce and UN Women are among those who have shown their support for 2021 Peace and Goodwill Message from the young people of Wales, launched in video form today (Tuesday 18 May 2021) by Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Wales’ largest youth organisation.

2021’s Peace and Goodwill Message ‘Equality for Women and Girls’ has been written by Swansea University students on behalf of the young people of Wales, and in a powerful video they call on people across the world to ensure equality for women and girls is “more than a hashtag”.

The social media campaign quickly gathered pace today and by mid-afternoon the Message had been shared in more than 30 countries and 65 languages, with a host of famous names and world-renowned organisations showing their support, including UN Women, who Tweeted:

“Every year since 1922.. the young people of Wales have created a message of peace and goodwill to the world. Ahead of the #GenerationEquality Forum in Paris, we must harness the voice of youth and amplify their demands to ensure a more prosperous and sustainable future.”

Hundreds of Welsh schools and organisations have supported the 2021 Peace Message, along with several well-known former Urdd members, including Hollywood actor Matthew Rhys, who says he is “proud” of this year’s theme.

“As a former member of the Urdd, I’m so proud to see them sharing their peace and goodwill message of Equality for Women and Girls with the world, in over 60 languages no less,” said Matthew Rhys. “As the largest youth organisation in Wales and at the ripe old age of 99, they have proved that they are as relevant today as they have ever been, by making pledges to help tackle period poverty and offer their residences to vulnerable women as retreats.”

The Urdd as an organisation has committed to help tackle period poverty in Wales by providing free period products at its residential centres, the National Urdd Eisteddfod festival, and at its national sports events. Residential centres owned by the Urdd will also be offered as relaxation retreats for groups of vulnerable women.

Chief Executive of Urdd Gobaith Cymru, Siân Lewis, said: “As we approach our centenary in 2022 the Urdd has ambitious plans to ensure Wales makes a positive impact in the world. We are thankful to those that have helped share our Message of Goodwill far and wide, from our current and past members to our supporters world-wide.”