First Lady Peng Liyuan was named by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the first ever Chinese envoy for women and girls during ceremonies this Thursday in Paris.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova believes the designation will send a powerful message on the value of gender equality and in investing in womens' and girls' education.

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Bokova hopes that the Chinese First Lady can lend her voice in bringing positive changes on the education front, not only in China but on rest of the world.

The ceremonies were held at the UNESCO office in Paris after Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit. Xi is in Paris with his wife as part of a two week tour of Europe.

Peng accepted the honorary title and the task attached to it, saying it reminded her of what her father, a school principal, had done to contribute to the education of rural people in China.

Peng vowed to actively participate in fighting for the rights of women and girls to proper education.

The First Lady is also the World Health Organization's goodwill ambassador for HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

During the tour of France, she paid a visit to Necker Hospital in Paris and brought panda toys for the patients.