The United Nations has appointed British actress Emma Watson as the new Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s gender-equality division.
The executive director of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka made the announcement on Monday and the Harry Potter star is thrilled about her new role.
“Being asked to serve as UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling. The chance to make a real difference is not an opportunity that everyone is given and is one I have no intention of taking lightly,” Watson said in a statement.
The 24-year-old will be tasked with bringing awareness to issues surrounding the empowerment of women and serve as an advocate for the UN Women’s HeForShe campaign in fostering gender equality.
“Women’s rights are something so inextricably linked with who I am, so deeply personal and rooted in my life that I can’t imagine an opportunity more exciting” she said.
Mlambo-Ngcuka said Watson was selected due to her “intellect and passion” and said Emma is the perfect candidate to highlight the plight of women and gender equality in the 21st century.
“We are thrilled and honoured to work with Emma, whom we believe embodies the values of UN Women” she said.
While it will be a noble endeavour Emma is by no means the first famous face to join the UN. The starlet joins a long line of celebrity alumnus to take up humanitarian roles and lend their star power to a good cause.
“I can’t imagine an opportunity more exciting,” said Emma Watson of her new role as the new Goodwill Ambassador for the UN’s gender-equality division.
Angelina Jolie has become the poster girl for philanthropy. Jolie previously represented UNHCR as a Goodwill Ambassador but after years of dedicated service she was appointed as Special Envoy of UN High Commissioner for Refugees, António Guterres.
Here Brad Pitt is pictured visiting an Iraqi refugee family living in Jaramana, near Damascus, Syria in 2009. Pitt, along with his partner, Angelina Jolie, have built a heavily philanthropic profile. The Tree of Life star helped lead the charge of celebrities who assisted in the rebuilding efforts of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Orlando Bloom was appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador almost five years ago and has since made many trips to nations and regions in need. In 2008 the Pirates of the Caribbean star toured Nepal on behalf of the UN to promote a UNICEF-supported community growth monitoring programme in the region.
In 2011 The United Nations Children’s Fund announced tennis star Serena Williams was coming on board as an ambassador to promote the organisations Schools for Africa initiative.
In 2008 Charlize Theron was inducted a UN messenger of Peace.
Sean Penn is well-known for his humanitarian work in Haiti since the catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the region in 2010.
Ricky Martin joined forces with the UN to fight for vulnerable children at The United Nations General Assembly in 2004.
In 2013 Katy Perry was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. The Firework singer was tasked with engaging young people in the agency’s work to improve the lives of the world’s most vulnerable children and adolescents.
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