New York – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has
designated Academy Award-nominated actor and committed environmental
activist, Leonardo DiCaprio, as a UN Messenger of Peace with a special
focus on climate change.
“Mr. DiCaprio is a credible voice in the environmental movement, and
has a considerable platform to amplify its message,” said Mr. Ban. “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.”
The Secretary-General has invited Mr. DiCaprio to address the UN
Climate Summit on 23 September, which is bringing together leaders from
government, business, finance and civil society to promote climate
action for a healthy planet, sustainable economic growth and better
standards of living for all.
The Secretary-General praised DiCaprio’s longstanding commitment to
fighting for environmental causes, not least the substantial funds
raised and generous grants provided to environmental protection and
conservation projects through his foundation.
“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,” said
Leonardo DiCaprio. “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.”
In 1998, DiCaprio established the “Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation,”
with the mission of protecting the Earth’s last wild places and
implementing solutions to build a more harmonious relationship between
humanity and the natural world. Since that time DiCaprio has worked on
some of the most pressing environmental and humanitarian issues of our
day. Through grant making, public campaigning and media projects, he has
brought attention and needed funding to three focus areas — protecting
biodiversity, ocean and forest conservation, and climate change.
Mr. DiCaprio will join 11 other United Nations Messengers of Peace
and one Goodwill Ambassador who advocate on behalf of the United Nations
on a variety of priority issues for the Organization.
Messengers of Peace are individuals who possess widely recognized
talents in the fields of art, film, literature, music and sports,
helping to raise worldwide awareness of the Organization’s ideals and
activities. Through their public appearances, contacts with the
international media and humanitarian work, they expand public
understanding of how the United Nations helps to improve the lives of
people everywhere.
Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation
Since 1998, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has built longstanding
relationships with environmental leaders and experts, staying
continually engaged and active on the most pressing issues of our day –
protecting biodiversity, oceans and forest conservation, and climate
change.
The Foundation’s strategic approach to philanthropy relies upon key
partnerships with effective environmental organizations and active
collaboration with other funders that share the Foundation’s goals and
can magnify its impact. Efforts are directed in two areas – providing
grants to innovative, results-driven initiatives and media efforts that
inspire the public to make a difference in the fight to protect our
planet for future generations. For more information visit: www.leonardodicaprio.org The Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation is a component fund of the California Community Foundation.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment