On the heels of his engagement to human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin, George Clooney has stepped down from his role as UN Messenger of Peace.
A spokesman for the United Nations confirmed the Oscar winner’s retirement from the role, which features high-profile people raising awareness for the organization’s work globally. Clooney acted as a Messenger of Peace for six years and helped bring attention to areas in need such asSudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Stephane Dujarric said Clooney “feels it is time to retire his official role,” BBC News reports. He will, however, continue on with "other personal advocacy projects and activities.”
Dujarric continued, "The competing demands on their time from their professional and advocacy lives sometimes make it difficult for high-profile individuals to carry out a formal United Nations role.”
The Globe and Mail reports other high-profile celebrities that act as Messengers of Peace are Charlize Theron, Michael Douglas and Stevie Wonder.
Clooney even created the Not On Our Watch Project with Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, producer Jerry Weintraub and activist David Pressman in 2008 to raise awareness for global crises.