James Bond actor Daniel Craig has been appointed the first United Nations global advocate for the elimination of mines and explosive hazards.
In a ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, secretary-general Ban Ki-moon told Craig: “As 007, you have a licence to kill. Today, we are giving you a licence to save.”
Warming to his theme, Ban went on: “I am the eighth secretary-general, so I am 008. This means I have given him that mandate to save.”
Ban thanked Craig for his commitment to support the UN’s vision for a world free from the threat of land mines and explosive remnants of war and expressed hope that he will raise support for the campaign to abolish them.
“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.”
He said Craig’s designation as a global advocate for three years was one of a number of events organised to observe the 10th anniversary of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
Craig said he had encountered the legacy of unexploded ordnance while filming in Cambodia: “There were lots and lots of children around. And I know I was nervous – but I can’t imagine what it was like for the parents of those children.
“It stops them having a normal life, getting on and rebuilding, and getting back their lives again.”
Craig is the latest high-profile actor to take on such a role for the UN. Angelina Jolie, in her role as special envoy for the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), has campaigned to highlight violence against women and girls in conflict zones. Last year, the UN appointed Leonardo DiCaprio as a messenger for peace, and Harry Potter actor Emma Watson was named a goodwill ambassador by the United Nations organisation UN Women.
