Actress Emma Watson named UN Goodwill Ambassador

British Actress Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the 'Harry Potter movie series, has been appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women.

The UN Women is dedicated to issues of gender equality and empowerment of women.

Watson, a humanitarian and recent graduate of the Ivy League Brown University, will dedicate her efforts as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador towards the empowerment of young women and will serve as an advocate for the body's 'HeForShe' campaign in promoting gender equality, the organisation said.

Watson described her appointment as Goodwill Ambassador as "truly humbling" and said she will take up her new responsibility with all seriousness since not everyone gets a "chance to make a real difference".

"Women's rights are something so inextricably linked with who I am, so deeply personal and rooted in my life that I can't imagine an opportunity more exciting. I still have so much to learn, but as I progress I hope to bring more of my individual knowledge, experience and awareness to this role," the 24-year-old actress said.

Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director UN Women Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said Watson "embodies" the values of UN Women.

"The engagement of young people is critical for the advancement of gender equality in the 21st century, and I am convinced that Emma's intellect and passion will enable UN Women's messages to reach the hearts and minds of young people globally," Mlambo-Ngcuka said.

Watson has been involved in the promotion of girls' education for several years and previously visited Bangladesh and Zambia as part of her humanitarian efforts.

Watson is the first Goodwill Ambassador appointment under Mlambo-Ngcuka's leadership.