Emma Watson Named Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women

Emma Watson (opens in new tab) announced her next endeavor Monday, and it's a pretty huge deal—she's the new Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women, the U.N.'s branch dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Under Secretary-General and executive director of U.N. Women, chose the actress and Ivy League grad (opens in new tab) as her first appointment. "We are thrilled and honored to work with Emma, whom we believe embodies the values of U.N. Women," Mlambo-Ngcuka said in a statement. "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 U.N. Women's messages to reach the hearts and minds of young people globally."

Watson (opens in new tab) will work on the organization's women's-empowerment campaign, HeForShe. "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 said in a statement.

She's not the only one excited—following the big announcement, the U.N.'s website shut down due to all the traffic.

"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," Watson said. We're excited to see what Watson brings to this already incredible organization!