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Five-times grand slam champion Sharapova became an ambassador
for the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in 2007, but was dropped
in March after admitting she had used the banned substance
meldonium.
The United States-based Russian was originally banished from the
sport for two years, a suspension that was later cut to 15
months.
She will return to action in time to contest three of the four
grand slams next year, missing only the Australian Open.
"The UNDP is glad to learn that Maria Sharapova can return to
the sport she loves sooner than expected and we will lift the
suspension of her role as our goodwill ambassador once the
reduced ban expires," the UN said in a statement.
The UNDP works to tackle inequality and poverty.
(Reporting by Andrew Both; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
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