NEW YORK
James Bond actor Daniel Craig was named Tuesday as the UN advocate for the eradication of mines.
For the next three years, Craig will raise awareness about the UN's vision of a world free from the threat of mines and explosive remnants of war.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon thanked the veteran actor for using "star power" to draw attention to the cause of mine destruction and mine awareness.
"The 007 had a license to kill," he said, referring to Bond's code number at MI6. "Now we are giving him the license to save."
Craig rose to international stardom with his portrayal of fictional spy in “Casino Royale,” released in 2006.
But the classically trained actor had put a long and impressive filmography under his belt during a span of more than 15 years, from Hollywood features to highly respected independent films, including “The Trench” and the historical drama “Elizabeth.”
“Casino Royale” became the highest-grossing Bond film and garnered arguably the best reviews the franchise had seen in years, as audiences and critics alike became Craig loyalists.
He reprised the role in “Quantum of Solace,” in 2008 and “Skyfall,” in 2012.
