Academy Award-nominated actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has been designated the United Nations Messenger of Peace by UN chief Ban Ki-moon, with a special focus on climate change.

“DiCaprio is a credible voice in the environmental movement, and has a considerable platform to amplify its message. I am pleased he has chosen to add his voice to UN efforts to raise awareness of the urgency and benefits of acting now to combat climate change,” Ban said yesterday.

The UN chief said that DiCaprio’s “first act” in his new role as Messenger of Peace will be to address the opening of the Climate Change Summit on September 23 in New York that has been convened by the Secretary General.

The day-long Summit will see participation from about 120 heads of state and governments as well as leaders from government, business, finance and civil society to promote climate action for a healthy planet, sustainable economic growth and better standards of living for all.

Ban praised DiCaprio’s longstanding commitment to fighting for environmental causes, particularly the substantial funds raised and generous grants provided to environmental protection and conservation projects through his foundation.

DiCaprio, 39, said he is honoured to accept his new role of UN Messenger of Peace on Climate Change and to support the Secretary General “in his efforts to address one of the most important issues we face as a global community.

“I feel a moral obligation to speak out at this key moment in human history – it is a moment for action. How we respond to the climate crisis in the coming years will likely determine the fate of humanity and our planet,” he said.

In 1998, DiCaprio established the ‘Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation’ with the mission of protecting the Earth’s last wild places and implementing solutions to build a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

DiCaprio will join 11 other United Nations Messengers of Peace and one Goodwill Ambassador who advocate on behalf of the United Nations on a variety of priority issues for the Organisation.

Messengers of Peace are individuals who possess widely recognised talents in the fields of art, film, literature, music and sports, helping to raise worldwide awareness of the Organisation’s ideals and activities.

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