UN gives 007 star Daniel Craig 'license to save' landmines

UN has named 'James Bond' star Daniel Craig the first global advocate for the elimination of mines and explosive hazards.

At the ceremony held at UN headquarters in New York, secretary-general Ban Ki-moon addressed the 47-year-old actor saying that he had license to kill as 007, but now had the "licence to save," the Guardian reported.

He continued saying "I am the eighth secretary-general, so I am 008. This means I have given him that mandate to save."

Ban said that he was amongst the movie fans and had been eagerly watching the Craig as James Bond defusing the time-bombs, and was even more excited to see him use his star power for the noble causes of mine destruction and mine awareness.

The actor's new designation for 3 years designation was one of a number of events organized to observe the 10th anniversary of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

Craig is the latest high-profile actor to take on such a role for the UN, with Angelina Jolie, acting as special envoy for the UN high commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), Leonardo DiCaprio as a messenger for peace, and Emma Watson as goodwill ambassador by the United Nations organisation UN Women.