The International Federation for Peace and Sustainable Development (IFPSD), accredited by the United Nations, named Bill Austin Goodwill Global Ambassador for Ear and Hearing Health during an event on hearing health at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Starkey Hearing Foundation announced. The Starkey Hearing Foundation is a public charity that aims to provide hearing health services and hearing aids to needy individuals around the world. The event, at which Former President Bill Clinton spoke, addressed the need for increased national funding, philanthropic support, and international foreign aid for ear and hearing health. Austin, a global philanthropist and founder of Starkey Hearing Foundation, is reportedly the first person to be honored with the title.
According to the announcement, Austin will work to achieve his goal of aiding and supporting people with hearing loss around the globe, in his new position. He will also strengthen relationships with community leaders and lawmakers worldwide to increase the accessibility of hearing care for all.
“I am humbled and proud to be honored by the International Federation for Peace and Sustainable Development for my life’s work,” said Austin. “As Global Ambassador for Ear and Hearing Health, I will continue to advocate for the countless millions of children and adults who suffer from hearing loss and their families. Working closely with Starkey Hearing Foundation and key policy makers in communities around the world, I look forward to enhancing access of hearing care through service delivery, training, capacity building, and research and policy advocacy.”
“I have watched Bill Austin give children and their families the gift of hearing for a long time,” said Former President Bill Clinton, in a press statement from the event. “Thanks to him, a lot of people have begun to look for answers instead of anger, for empowerment instead of resentment, and for cooperation instead of controversy. This is about way more than hearing. This is about what we want the world of the 21st century to look like,” he said.
“For the past 16 years, we have worked diligently in many countries around the world, especially war-torn countries,” said Founder and President of the IFPSD, Sally Kader, in a press statement. “I was honored witnessing first-hand the miracle of children hearing for the first time. The looks on their faces when they first heard sound brought tears to my eyes. I am so proud of Mr. Austin’s accomplishments and our continued partnership with Starkey Hearing Foundation.”
Starkey Hearing Foundation is committed to working to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals, which serve as an action plan for global development focused on people, planet, and prosperity.
Source: Starkey Hearing Foundation
Images: Starkey Hearing Foundation
Indeed you deserve this award from the work starkey is doing all over the world.
We are looking forward to the partnership with you through UNHCR in supporting refugees in Dadaab refugee camp.