By Dave McNary
LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has designated Leonardo DiCaprio as a U.N. Messenger of Peace with a special focus on climate change.
DiCaprio, a longtime environmental activist, will address the U.N. Climate Change Summit on Sept. 23.
"Mr. DiCaprio is a credible voice in the environmental movement, and has a considerable platform to amplify its message," said Ki-moon. "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."
The actor's Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation was established in 1998 with the mission of protecting the Earth's last wild places and implementing solutions for a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world. He's focused on protecting biodiversity, ocean and forest conservation and climate change.
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"It's an honor to accept the 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," DiCaprio said. "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 also posted a Tweet on his Twitter account:
Honored to accept at this key moment for #Climate2014. RT @UN: Ban Ki-moon names @LeoDiCaprio Messenger of Peace http://t.co/GfOEvhlvAJ
-- Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) September 16, 2014
DiCaprio is one of 12 Messengers of Peace and one Goodwill Ambassador who advocate on behalf of the U.N.
