Leonardo DiCaprio has gone from Wolf of Wall Street to United Nations Messenger of Peace.

The actor was bestowed the honor along with 11 other distinguished world figures to act as spokespersons on behalf of the U.N. as Messengers of Peace. He joins fellow actors Michael Douglas, George Clooney, as well as musician Stevie Wonder, primatologist Jane Goodall, author Paulo Coelho, and conductor Daniel Barenboim in receiving such an acknowledgment.

DiCaprio was chosen for his work in establishing a foundation in 1998 designed to bring awareness and support to preserving the global environment. He has helped publicize the effects of climate change, advocated for the protection of biodiversity and conservation of the world’s oceans and forests.

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon explained the choice of DiCaprio as U.N. Messenger of Peace was made not because of his accomplishments as one of the world’s leading actors but for a “longstanding commitment to environmental causes.”

“His global stardom is the perfect match for this global challenge,” said Ban in a news conference.

DiCaprio responded to this distinction in a prepared statement, expressing his thanks, saying he was honored to be named to such an important position. “I feel a moral obligation to speak out at this key moment in human history — it is a moment for action,” said the actor. “How we respond to the climate crisis in the coming years will likely determine the fate of humanity and our planet.”

He also lauded the efforts of the U.N. and Secretary General Ban “in his efforts to address one of the most important issues we face as a global community.”

DiCaprio will be holding a climate summit in conjunction with the U.N. General Assembly’s annual ministerial meeting, which will host 120 important world leaders, and will address a global climate agreement that Ban hopes to be reached by 2015. That agreement would include commitments from participating nations to lower or curb greenhouse gas emissions to promote a healthier environment worldwide.