Ruth Gbagbi has been named as an ambassador for the culture of peace by UNESCO ©Getty Images

Former taekwondo world champion Ruth Gbagbi has been named as an ambassador for the culture of peace by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The Ivorian was honoured alongside 10 compatriots at an event in Abidjan.

UNESCO ambassadors are tasked with using their talent and fame to promote the organisation and its goals.

Gbagbi described her appointment as an "honour" on her Instagram account.

She won the world title in the women's under-62 kilograms division at the 2017 World Championships in Muju in South Korea.


The 27-year-old also won Olympic bronze medals at under-67kg at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

Other successes include at the African Games and African Championships, as well as the Wuxi Grand Slam, the Moscow Grand Prix and the Sofia Grand Prix.