An Inceptionally Exceptional UN Messenger of Peace—Leonardo DiCaprio Claims New Role

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As the loveable artist in the Titanic and the brooding mastermind behind the plot of Inception, Leonardo DiCaprio has gained international acclaim for his characters on the silver screen. But it's his passions behind the scenes that have landed DiCaprio his new role as leading man for the United Nations, as a U.N. Messenger of Peace.

As a passionate activist for the preservation of the global environment, DiCaprio joined the United Nations as the newest U.N. Messenger of Peace this morning Tuesday Sept. 16, as Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced the collaboration with the world advocate at a news conference, only a week before the next summit to be held next Tuesday. Joining the ranks of 11 other notable world figures, who advocate on behalf of the United Nations including Michael Douglas, primatologist Jane Goodall and fellow leading-man George Clooney, DiCaprio will focus his U.N. role on issues related to climate change; a topic DiCaprio is passionate about.

"Leonardo DiCaprio is not just one of the world's leading actors, he also has a longstanding commitment to environmental causes [as well]" Ki-moon said. "His global stardom is the perfect match for this global challenge."

Establishing his own foundation in 1998, with hopes of promoting Earth's remaining natural resources, DiCaprio has brought ample attention and funds to three main areas of focus for the United Nations: conservation of oceans and forests, protecting biodiversity and climate change. Hoping to continue bringing attention to the issues we face as a global community, DiCaprio announced in a press release this morning that he is honored to be appointed as a Messenger of Peace, and is eager to begin his role.

"I feel a moral obligation to speak out at this key moment in human history-it is a moment for action" DiCaprio said. "How we respond to the climate crisis in the coming years will likely determine the fate of humanity and our planet."

As his first act as a U.N. Messenger of Peace, DiCaprio is expected to address the climate summit being held next Tuesday, Sept. 23, in conjunction with the annual ministerial meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. Addressing 120 world leaders, expected to be in attendance at the event, DiCaprio says that his aim is discuss reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and ways to achieve a global climate agreement for international action by 2015.