Leonardo DiCaprio appointed Messenger of Peace for the United Nations

The actor will use his new role in order to campaign for environmental issues

Jenn Selby
Wednesday 17 September 2014 18:14 BST
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Leonardo DiCaprio will star in an adaptation of Michael Punke's thriller 'The Revenant'
Leonardo DiCaprio will star in an adaptation of Michael Punke's thriller 'The Revenant'

Leonardo DiCaprio has become the latest household name to be bestowed with the title of Messenger of Peace for the United Nations.

The actor will use his new role in order to campaign for environmental issues.

His first action in the position will be to lead a talk about climate change at a summit in New York on Tuesday 23 September.

“I feel a moral obligation to speak out at this key moment in human history - it is a moment for action,” DiCaprio said.

“How we respond to the climate crisis in the coming years will likely determine the fate of humanity and our planet.”

Leonardo DiCaprio is not just one of the world's leading actors,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon added. “He has also a long-standing commitment to environmental causes, including through his foundation.”

A long-time champion of environmental awareness, DiCaprio founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998.

He joins the likes of Angelina Jolie and Emma Watson, both of whom represent different organisations within the UN.

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