The United Nations Foundation announced Jennifer Lopez as its first-ever Global Advocate for Girls and Women.

A press release from the Foundation stated that the 46-year-old performer will strengthen the call for action in addressing the needs and rights of girls and women globally. The program, which is supported by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's "Every Woman, Every Child" initiative, will focus on maternal health projects, access to education and health services, ending gender-based violence, and sustaining the work of the UN Foundation and the UN agencies it supports.

"We are thrilled to work with Jennifer Lopez, who will lend her powerful voice to one of the most important causes of our generation - empowering girls and women," said Kathy Calvin, President and CEO of the UN Foundation, as quoted by the press release. "Today, not a single country in the world has achieved gender equality. This is unacceptable and everyone - including men and boys - has suffered because of it."

Calvin continued, "As the world comes together around the new global goals for sustainable development this month, we have an unprecedented opportunity to effect the necessary change. We can - and must - put the needs and rights of girls and women on center stage - and we are honored to have Jennifer Lopez help us in our efforts."

Lopez will promote the work of the Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA), which provides essential health information to new and expecting mothers via mobile phones, UN Foundation's press release noted. The Lopez Family Foundation, which the singer-actress founded in 2010 with her sister, Lynda Lopez, is now in partnership with the organization.

"Becoming a mother has made me more aware of the struggles of women and children throughout the world. While some progress has been made, there is still a lot more work that needs to be done for gender equality and universal access to medical care. I am happy to be joining the UN Foundation and eager to lend my voice and ensure that all girls and women are safe, healthy, educated and empowered," Lopez said, as quoted by UN Foundation's website.

The recording artist's first public appearance as UN Foundation's Global Advocate for Girls and Women will be on Friday, Sept. 25. The event will focus on business investments catering to girls, women, and gender equality, the press release noted.

Jennifer Lopez in Global Goals Campaign

The UN's Sustainable Development Goals campaign to fight extreme poverty, inequality, and climate change also sought the help of Lopez as one of its advocates.

The campaign's Global Goals video outlining the UN's 15-year plan also featured One Direction, Robert Pattinson, Chris Martin, and Jennifer Lawrence, Billboard listed.