“I feel honoured and inspired by this opportunity to work with UN Environment to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. Environmental issues will be the defining challenge of this era, and I am committed to helping the UN as a Goodwill Ambassador to do everything I can to provide a better future," says Dia, adding, "Together, we will continue working towards conservation of nature, tackling climate change and inspiring people to live more sustainably.”

In the recent years, Dia has been the face of many pivotal environmental campaigns across India, and has worked towards the conservation of wildlife. As a Goodwill Ambassador, she will work with the United Nations to further spread the message on priority areas, including clean air, clean seas, wildlife protection and climate change.

“I am delighted to have Dia join UN Environment as a Goodwill Ambassador,” said UN Environment head, Erik Solheim. “India faces many challenges, in particular the air pollution that is choking many of its cities. Dia’s influence can help to turn the situation around and create a healthy future for Indians and their environment," he added.

The actress has joined other accomplished UN Goodwill Ambassadors, including UN Environment’s Li Binging, Gisele Bündchen and Don Cheadle, and others such as Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Angelina Jolie, Katy Perry and Emma Watson.

Dia, who was crowned Miss Asia Pacific in 2000, made her Bollywood debut with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. Post that, she appeared in movies such as Parineeta, LageRahoMunnabhai and Salam Mumbai, among others.