Sep 16, 2014 02:49 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

The United Nations has named Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio their new Messenger of Peace, which carries a speaking responsibility later this month.

According to the Associated Press, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said DiCaprio offers "a credible voice in the environmental movement." The Oscar-nominated actor has also been invited to speak at the U.N. Climate Summit on Sept. 23.

Secretary General Ban announced DiCaprio's appointment in a news release Tuesday.

"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," DiCaprio, 39, said in the release. "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."

DiCaprio's career in acting took off in the early 2000s with leading roles in "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator" and many more. In 1998, DiCaprio established an environmental preservation foundation in his own name, but at that time he was just a newly minted leading man.

DiCaprio's highly successful career - monetarily and critically - has since allowed him to bring a great amount of visibility to his foundation's cause, making him an ideal candidate for Ban and the U.N.

"Mr. DiCaprio is a credible voice in the environmental movement, and has a considerable platform to amplify its message," Ban said in the release. "I am pleased he has chosen to add his voice to UN efforts to raise awareness of the urgency and benefits of acting now to combat climate change."

Messengers of Peace are selected for their public image and influence in their respective fields, the U.N. said in its announcement. DiCaprio now joins 11 other Messengers in engaging the public in important issues facing our planet today and in the near future.

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