New global advocate Daniel Craig looks to boost UN’s ‘incredible work’ on mine action

14 April 2015 – After designating the renowned actor Daniel Craig as the first United Nations Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards at Headquarters today,Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon thanked the current James Bond for his commitment to supporting the UN’s vision of a world free from the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

“Along with moviegoers worldwide, I have been on the edge of my seat watching Mr. Craig, as James Bond, defuse ticking time-bombs with seconds to spare. I am even more excited that Mr. Craig has agreed to use his star power to draw attention to the noble causes of mine destruction and mine awareness,” said Mr. Ban.

“As 007, Mr. Craig had a ‘licence to kill.’ Today we are giving him a ‘licence to save,’” said the UN chief.

The designation is one of a number of events organized to observe the 10th anniversary of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

The UN News Centre caught up with Mr. Craig after the ceremony to hear him describe how his experiences filming in a heavily mined area of northern Cambodia some years ago motivated him to get involved with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

“I was nervous – I don’t mind admitting that – but I just can’t imagine what it was like for the parents of those children,” he said. “I think that’s what struck me most, the fear of unexploded ordnance that’s just littered around after conflict. And what that does to a local population. It stops them being normal, having a normal life, getting on and rebuilding, and getting back their lives again.” 

He told the News Centre about his meeting with the Secretary-General and how he hopes to use the fame he has earned as an actor, playing one of the most famous roles in Hollywood, to advocate for UNMAS and give its cause more exposure around the world so that it can raise more money to do its work.

Over the next year, he said he will be busy immersing himself in his new field, developing as much understanding as possible of the work done to eliminate the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

“I don’t have a lot of experience in warzones and minefields,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll get to visit somewhere this year where UNMAS are doing their incredible work and with that I’ll be able to get the message out there.”  Read More at New global advocate Daniel Craig - 007

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