Emma Watson named UN Ambassador

London - Emma Watson has been appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations (UN).

The Bling Ring actress is "excited" about her role promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women for the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women division of the international organisation.

She tweeted: "So excited to start work with the AMAZING people at UN Women! (sic)"

So excited to start work with the AMAZING people at UN Women! ?? xx @UN_Women @phumzileunwomen @e_nyamayaro

— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) July 7, 2014

The 24-year-old beauty - who has visited Bangladesh and Zambia to promote girls' education - went on to say she is humbled by the role and hopes to "make a real difference" to the lives of women and girls around the world.

She said in a statement: "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."

And the UN are equally delighted to have Emma on board.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, said: "We are thrilled and honoured to work with Emma, whom we believe 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."

The Harry Potter star will now work for UN Women's HeForShe campaign which calls for men and boys to stand up against inequalities faced by women and girls around the world.