The designation of the Ukrainian-born boxing champions Vitaliy and Wladimir Klitschko is a tribute to their exceptional success in the sport of boxing, their long-term commitment on behalf of the marginalized, their exemplary efforts to promote and support UNESCO’s Programme for the Education of Children in Need, and their valuable contribution to furthering the Organization’s ideals and objectives.

In 2004, Vitaliy Klitschko captured the World Boxing Council’s heavyweight championship. He retired at the end of 2005 with an impressive record: 43 victories and a mere three defeats. Wladimir Klitschko, became Olympic boxing champion in 1996 and is the present IBF heavyweight champion. He won the title from Chris Byrd last April, and successfully defended it against Calvin Brock on 11 November 2006.

In August 2006, the Klitschko brothers travelled to Namibia with UNESCO experts to promote educational activities for children of the San community, who are among the most isolated and underprivileged in the north and west of the country. In 2004 and 2005, they lent active support to a UNESCO project in Romania. Beginning in 2002, they helped a project in Brazil. They have in addition created several foundations in Ukraine that benefit children and sport.