‘Licensed To Save’: James Bond Actor Daniel Craig Appointed As United Nations’ Global Advocate

Daniel Craig has been appointed as the United Nations global advocate for the elimination of mines and explosive hazards. This is the first time the U.N. officials have appointed someone for the cause.

The ceremony was held at the U.N. headquarters in New York on Tuesday. The designation of the James Bond actor as a global advocate for three years was a part of observing the 10th anniversary of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

The U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon referred to Craig’s James Bond connection in a humorous manner. He said, Craig as 007 was licensed to kill whereas U.N. was giving the actor a “license to save.” Ban added that he was 008 as he was the eighth secretary-general.

“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,” Ban said. “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.” The U.N. Secretary-General thanked Craig for supporting the vision for a world free from the threat of land mines and explosive remnants of war. He said he would hope that the actor would raise support for the cause.

Craig talked about his shooting experience in Cambodia where lots of children around unexploded ordnance. He said, he could not imagine what it was like for the parents to have their children there. Craig said that it stopped the children from having a normal life, getting on and rebuilding, and getting back their lives again. Craig’s experience in Cambodia encouraged him to be involved with the U.N. Mine Action Service.

Craig is not the only celebrity actor to have been associated with an U.N. cause. Leonardo DiCaprio was named as a messenger for peace in 2014. The UN Women appointed Emma Watson as its goodwill ambassador. Angelina Jolie, as a special envoy for the UN high commissioner for refugees, has campaigned against violence against women in conflict zones.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au