Leonardo DiCaprio named UN messenger of peace

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio on Tuesday was named United Nations' messenger of peace with a special focus on climate change, Xinhua news agency reported.

United Nation secretary-general Ban Ki-moon made the announcement at a press conference at the UN headquarters on Tuesday.

DiCaprio is expected to address the UN Climate Summit on Sept 23 which gathers leaders from government, business and civil society to promote climate action for a healthy planet, sustainable economic growth and better living standards.

"It's an honour to accept this role and to support the secretary general in his efforts to address one of the most important issues we face as a global community," said 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," said the Academy Award nominated actor.

DiCaprio set up the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation in 1998 with the aim of protecting the Earth's last wild places and implementing solutions to build a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.