Shakira has received a medal from the United Nations for her work with impoverished children.

The pop star – who founded the Barefoot Foundation in her native country of Colombia, which aims to make education available to disadvantaged children – was presented with the Social Justice for Peace award at a small ceremony in Switzerland yesterday (03.03.10). Geneva's UN labour chief Juan Somavia described the 'She-Wolf' singer as a 'true ambassador for children and young people, for quality education and social justice'.

Upon receiving the accolade Shakira thanked the UN and dedicated it to all the children suffering from violence and extreme poverty in the world.

The 32-year-old star – who is a member of the ALAS foundation, whose goal is to provide education and health care to impoverished kids in Latin America, and has also worked as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador – said: "It's not too late to keep our promise to our children, but we must act now. Together, we can make education and decent work for all a reality."