Samuel L Jackson has pledged to Listen to the plight of the world's most disadvantaged children.

He has been joined by Natalie Portman, Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Brooke Shields, Ben Kingsley, Jessica Lange and Ashley Judd who have been filmed in India, Egypt, Peru, the US and Uganda speaking with children who live with poverty.

The actors' appeals are due to be broadcast in 2008 as part of Listen, a new global campaign bringing together film stars, musicians and authors to raise funds and awareness of 200 children's projects.

The UK-led media campaign aims to highlight the cause of children affected by disease, natural disaster, exploitation, war and HIV/Aids.

The campaign has been seven years in the making and aims to raise £250 million in the first year and £500 million over ten years.

Executive producer Tony Hollingsworth said he decided to do something to help the world's poorest children after hearing a radio interview with an African woman whose child had died from diarrhoea.

He said all 200 children's projects had been chosen ahead of the start of the campaign to show donors where their pledges are going.

Mr Hollingsworth has been involved in the making of some of the world's largest televised events including the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute at Wembley Stadium.

It is hoped the campaign will reach more than 500 million people in 60 countries.

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