United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon designated Hollywood actor and environmental activist, Leonardo DiCaprio as a U.N. Messenger of Peace with a special focus on climate change.
“I am pleased he has chosen to add his voice to U.N. efforts to raise awareness of the urgency and benefits of acting now to combat climate change,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday.
The Secretary-General said Leonardo DiCaprio has a credible voice in the environmental movement and a considerable platform to amplify his message.
In addition, the Secretary General praised the Hollywood actor’s long-standing commitment in fighting for environmental causes, the substantial funds raised and generous contributions to environmental protection and conservation through his foundation.
Leonardo DiCaprio to address U.N. Climate Summit
According to the Secretary General, Leonardo DiCaprio will address the U.N. Climate Summit on September 23. The summit will be attended by leaders in business, finance, government and civil society to promote climate actions for a health planet, sustainable economic growth and better standards of living for everyone.
‘Moral obligation to speak out’
In a statement, Leonardo DiCaprio said, “It’s an honor to accept the role of U.N. 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.
The Hollywood actor added, “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.”
Leonardo DiCaprio will advocate on behalf of the United Nations on different priority issues together with 11 other U.N. Messengers of Peace and one Ambassador of Goodwill.
The U.N. explained that that the Messengers of Peace are individuals whose talents in the field of art, film, of art, film, literature, music and sports are widely recognized, helping to raise awareness about the organization’s ideals and activities worldwide.
Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation
The Hollywood actor established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998. Its mission is to protect Earth’s last wild places and implement solutions to build a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Since the establishment of his foundation, DiCaprio worked on some of the most pressing environment and humanitarian issues such as protecting biodiversity, forest conservation and climate change.
