UNITED NATIONS, July 9 ― The United Nations' gender equality body UN Women yesterday appointed British actress Emma Watson, best known for her role as Hermione in the "Harry Potter" film series, as a goodwill ambassador to advocate for the empowerment of young women.

"Being asked to serve as UN Women's Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling," Watson, 24, said in a statement.

"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," she said.

Watson's films have grossed more than US$5.4 billion (RM17.1 billion) worldwide over the past decade, according to the Internet Movie Database. She graduated from Brown University in May with a bachelor's degree in English literature. ― Reuters