Daniel Craig appointed UN Ambassador: Ban Ki Moon gives 007 actor 'license to save' as global advocate for the elimination of mines

"I am the eighth secretary-general, so I am 008. This means I have given him that mandate to save," the UN secretary general said

Years of rolling around in fictitious war zones as special agent 007 appears to have prepared Daniel Craig to take on one of his most challenging missions yet.

The James Bond star has been appointed as the first United Nations global advocate for the elimination of mines and explosive hazards.

“As 007, you have a licence to kill,” secretary general Ban Ki-Moon said during a ceremony at the UN HQ in New York.

“Today, we are giving you a licence to save.

“I am the eighth secretary-general, so I am 008. This means I have given him that mandate to save.”

“Along with moviegoers worldwide, I have been on the edge of my seat watching Mr Craig, as James Bond, defuse ticking time-bombs with seconds to spare,” he continued. “I am even more excited that Mr Craig has agreed to use his star power to draw attention to the noble causes of mine destruction and mine awareness.”

Speaking about his own experience of encountering land mines while shooting scenes in Cambodia, Craig added: “There were lots and lots of children around. And I know I was nervous – but I can’t imagine what it was like for the parents of those children.

“It stops them having a normal life, getting on and rebuilding, and getting back their lives again.”

The announcement of Craig’s global advocacy was part of a number of events scheduled to mark the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.