Leonardo DiCaprio named U.N. Messenger of Peace

Actor and activist Leonardo DiCaprio has landed a prestigious new role as a United Nations Messenger of Peace on Climate Change.

The Wolf of Wall Street star, who is a passionate environmentalist, will embrace his new job by speaking at the United Nations Climate Summit in New York next week (23Sep14), where he hopes to raise awareness about global warming issues.

A statement released by DiCaprio reads: "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.

"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."

News of the appointment, announced on Tuesday (16Sep14) by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, comes just days after it emerged that DiCaprio will be honoured for his environmental activism at the eighth annual Clinton Global Citizen Awards.

The actor joins the likes of Charlize Theron, Stevie Wonder, Edward Norton and George Clooney, who have all been made Messengers of Peace by U.N. officials in recent years.

Clooney stepped down from the peacekeeping role earlier this year (14) after six years due to ongoing personal and professional commitments.