French mime artist Marcel Marceau has been chosen to be a United Nations goodwill ambassador for the older generation.
The 78-year-old performer, known around the world for his silent portrayal of a white-faced clown, will be officially appointed next week at a ceremony at the UN headquarters in New York.
His task will be to promote awareness of the needs of older people ahead of the UN's second world assembly on ageing.
The assembly will be held in Madrid next April.
