Actress Theron named peace envoy for U.N.

NEW YORK, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Hollywood actress Charlize Theron will serve as a peace envoy for the United Nations, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon says.

The top U.N. official said the 33-year-old South African-born actress will become a messenger of peace for the international organization, focusing on violence against women throughout the world, the BBC said Saturday.

Theron, who is now a naturalized U.S. citizen, is responsible for creating a project aimed at increasing HIV/AIDS education in South Africa.

Ban said the newest U.N. envoy will be officially introduced Monday in New York, but the U.N. official has already commented about the actress's contribution to the world.

"You have used your voice, compassion and special relationship with the public to create a better world," Ban said of the "North Country" star.

The BBC said Theron will be the 10th peace envoy serving the United Nations and joining fellow Hollywood actors such as George Clooney and Michael Douglas.