Stories from the UN Archive: Marlon Brando, the UN’s first frontman for water
What do Bolivia, Marlon Brando and the UN have in common?
What do Bolivia, Marlon Brando and the UN have in common?
The Oscar-winning actor helped the UN amplify the need for clean water in a South American village in a unique podcast (even before they were called podcasts) almost 70 years ago.
The Hollywood legend memorably narrated The Well of Happiness in 1956, following a UN-led project in the South American country long before the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development call for clean water and sanitation for all.
The star of On the Waterfront and Apocalypse Now was part of a growing number of celebrities to help the UN highlight needs across the world.
Listen to UN News’ Podcast Classics episode featuring Mr. Brando here, part of the UN News #ThrowbackThursday series showcasing pivotal moments across the UN’s past. From the infamous and nearly-forgotten to world leaders and global superstars, stay tuned for a taste of the UN Audiovisual Library’s 49,400 hours of video recordings and 18,000 hours of audio chronicling.
Visit our Podcast Classics series here and UN Video’s Stories from the UN Archive playlist here. Join us next Thursday for another dive into history.
© UN News (2023) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: UN News
Where next?
Browse related news topics:
Read the latest news stories:
- Dialogue is ‘not naïve – it’s necessary’ as global divisions deepen, UN Riyadh forum hears Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Guterres condemns deadly attack on Hannukah celebration in Sydney Sunday, December 14, 2025
- From farm to classroom: Feeding children and supporting farmers in Timor-Leste Sunday, December 14, 2025
- UN marks first World Turkic Language Family Day Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Sudan: UN strongly condemns deadly drone attack on peacekeeping base in Kordofan Saturday, December 13, 2025
- In Baghdad, Guterres hails ‘new chapter’ in Iraq as UN mission draws to a close Saturday, December 13, 2025
- With skills and determination, Guatemalans embark on life-changing journey to Germany Saturday, December 13, 2025
- UN Alliance of Civilizations urges youth to reaffirm peace as a global priority Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Sindh People’s Housing Redefines Post-Disaster Adaptation Success Friday, December 12, 2025
- From Law to Lives Saved: How the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Bill Can Deliver Universal Health Coverage Friday, December 12, 2025
Learn more about the related issues: