James Bond star Daniel Craig has been given a new special mission.

The 007 actor has been appointed the first UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards.

UN secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the actor: “As 007, you have a licence to kill. Today, we are giving you a licence to save.”

“I am the eighth secretary-general, so I am 008,” Ban quipped. “This means I have given him that mandate to save.”

Daniel Craig at the UNDaniel Craig at the UN (United Nations)

 

In a ceremony at UN headquarters, Daniel said he felt “humbled” by his new role.

The British actor said he became interested in the issue after filming in an area of Cambodia yet to be cleared of mines.

“There were lots and lots of children around. And I know I was nervous – I don’t mind admitting that. But I can’t imagine what it was like for the parents of those children,” he said.

“That’s what struck me most. The fear that any type of unexploded ordnance that is littered around after conflict… what that does to a local population… It stops them having a normal life, getting on and rebuilding, and getting back their lives again.”

He follows in the footsteps of Angelina Jolie, Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Watson who all have high profile roles at the UN.