Shakira recognised for charity work

Shakira has been named as one of The Economist's most important people of 2010.

The 'Did It Again' singer was recognised for founding charity The Barefoot Foundation, which focuses on education and health care for children in her native Colombia.

"It's a great honour. I was quite surprised and humbled to see myself alongside the likes of President Obama," she said of the award.

"It is something I could have never imagined. Beyond the initial surprise though, I am so heartened and glad that such importance is being placed on the topic of education.

"This is a reflection that as individual people and members of civil societies, we can bring awareness to the rest of the world and call our governments to action on pressing issues, such as this one, that do not always receive the attention they merit."

The 32-year-old recently wrote an article for The Economist urging world governments to support the Global Fund for Education.

The Fund is part of the Millennium Development Goals, which aims to reduce poverty by ensuring that every child can complete primary school.

> Click here to read our review of Shakira's new album She Wolf