The Smurfs and UN have partnered to launch the ‘Small Smurfs Big Goals’ campaign.

Sony Pictures has partnered with the UN for the ‘Small Smurfs Big Goals’ campaign which will see the Smurfs characters encourage people the world over to learn about the 17 sustainable development goals reached by the UN in 2015.

Team Smurfs will rally behind the 17 goals – which surround ending extreme poverty, protecting the planet and promoting peace and prosperity for all – through to the International Day of Happiness on 20 March, where a celebration will be held at UN headquarters in New York City.

The campaign will begin with a public service announcement style video inspiring viewers to champion the goals.

Members of the public will also be able to join Team Smurfs online and contribute to achieving the goals, discover which goals best suit their interests, and share material further via social media.

“The entertainment industry moves the hearts and minds of people of all ages,” says Maher Nasser, director of the outreach division in the United Nations Department of Public Information. “We hope this campaign will motivate millions of young people and their families to do their part.”

The International Day of Happiness also promotes the 17 goals agreed upon in 2015 by all 193 members of the UN. Voiceover actors of the new film Smurfs: The Lost Village will attend the headquarters celebration.

“We know that children and young people are some of the world’s most passionate advocates on issues that matter to them the most,” says UNICEF director of communications Paloma Escudero. “We must continue to find new ways to empower them to help achieve a world free from inequality and injustice for every child. This campaign will give children and young people the platform they need to have their voices heard.”