The international organisation also announced the appointment on the social media site, saying they were “thrilled” the actress was joining them. News of her role was detailed on the UN Women website, which then crashed.

Tweet from UN Women reading, “The exciting announcement of @EmWatson’s appointment as our Goodwill Ambassador crashed our website! We apologize & hope to be back up soon.” UN Women is the abbreviated name of The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women.

It is made up of representatives from around the world, tasked with helping to improve opportunities for women and girls as well as seeking gender equality and tackling discrimination.

In a statement Watson said she was humbled by the role which will give her the chance to “make a real difference”. “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. “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.”

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women, said, “We are thrilled and honoured to work with Emma, whom we believe embodies the values of UN Women. 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 actress has already been involved in promoting girls’ education, visiting Bangladesh and Zambia. She will now work for UN Women’s HeForShe campaign which calls for men and boys to stand up against inequalities faced by women and girls around the world.