The United Nations has named British actress Emma Watson as the new goodwill ambassador for UN Women, an organisation dedicated to gender equality and empowerment.

“Being asked to serve as UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling,” Watson said in a statement on Tuesday.

• Watson graduates with fake friend

“The chance to make a real difference is not an opportunity that everyone is given and is one I have no intention of taking lightly.

“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,” said Watson, who completed her degree at Brown University last month.

“We are thrilled and honoured to work with Emma, whom we believe embodies the values of UN Women,” UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said.

“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 UN Women’s messages to reach the hearts and minds of young people globally.”

The 24-year-old actress is famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. She previously visited Bangladesh and Zambia to promote girls’ education.

Watson will work for HeForShe, a UN campaign that calls for men and boys to work for equal opportunities for females around the world.