Actor Ben Stiller was named by the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, as a Goodwill Ambassador on Monday.
The appointment was announced after a recent trip with UNHCR to Guatemala, where he met with people who were forced to flee their homes because of violence.
Stiller will be advocating on behalf of refugees as a Goodwill Ambassador.
“With over 68 million displaced people around the world today, there has never been a more compelling reason or greater urgency to show solidarity and support for refugees. I for one will do what I can as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, to advocate for refugees and encourage others to join me,” said Stiller in a statement by the organization.
Although this is Stiller’s first time being appointed as an UN ambassador, the Zoolander star has been supporting the UNHCR publicly since 2016, according to KTLA. He also previously traveled to Germany and Jordan to support a UN campaign called #withrefugees.
“I’m not exactly sure what my credentials are as a Goodwill Ambassador or who approved it, but somehow I got approved,” said the comedian jokingly in one of his Instagram posts.
He also added that he’s honored to advocate for the millions fleeing from violence and persecution.
Other celebrities, such as Cate Blanchett, Emma Watson, Nicole Kidman, sports star David Beckham, and Princess Diana have also served as Goodwill Ambassadors.
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