US singer Stevie Wonder has been appointed “UN messenger of peace” with a special focus on people with disabilities.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the blind pop singer as “a true inspiration to young people all over the world about what can be achieved despite any physical limitations.”

UN messengers of peace are usually celebrities who promote UN activities.

Stevie Wonder, who became blind as a child, learnt to play the harmonica, piano and drums by the age of nine. He has sold over 100 million records.

Photo: Stevie Wonder - Flickr/Loren Javier