Armani in vogue at U.N.

Armani will join other celebrities as a U.N. goodwill ambassador

ROME, Italy -- The United Nations is to make Giorgio Armani a goodwill ambassador in recognition for his work with Afghan refugees.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) paid tribute on Tuesday to the fashion designer's work over the past year, particularly a Christmas campaign he launched to help raise awareness and funds for those fleeing Afghanistan.

Armani, 67, will formally receive his appointment later on Tuesday at a charity concert organised by Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti held in his hometown of Modena, Italy.

"I have always believed that each individual has an opportunity to make a difference to and I hope that I may have a chance to do just that," Armani said in a statement.

The designer is the latest high-profile figure to become involved with the U.N.. Others include American actors Angelina Jolie and Michael Douglas as well as former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

Jolie, who toured refugee camps in Sierra Leone and Uganda in 2000 while on location for the film Tomb Raider, was reported to have donated $1 million to an Afghan relief fund last year.

Both Douglas and Halliwell have also spoken out on nuclear disarmament and birth control.