Emma Watson named United Nations Women Goodwill Ambassador

LONDON, July 9 (UPI) -- Emma Watson crashed the United Nations' website Tuesday after announcing on Twitter she had joined the organization as a Women Goodwill Ambassador.

The Harry Potter star, 24, is set to work on the HeForShe campaign, which encourages young boys and men to stand up for women's rights.

"Being asked to serve as [a] UN Women's Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling," the recent Brown grad said of her appointment. "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."

Watson is the first appointment of the United Nations' new under-secretary-general and executive director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.

"The engagement of young people is critical for the advancement of gender equality in the 21st century," Mlambo-Ngcuka said. "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."

Watson joins many other celebrities who are ambassadors for the United Nations including, Angelina Jolie, David Beckham, Stevie Wonder, Katy Perry, Drew Barrymore, Charlize Theron and Mia Farrow.