George is in New York today to officially start his new role for the U.N.

SPOTTED: The handsome GEORGE CLOONEY takes on his duties as the United Nations Messenger of Peace, speaking at a press conference at the U.N. headquarters Thursday in New York.

As a "Messenger," Clooney will be responsible for promoting the U.N.'s worldwide humanitarian activities. The 46-year-old star is no stranger to such work, having -- along with 'Ocean's Thirteen' pals MATT DAMON and BRAD PITT -- strived to raise awareness about the war plaguing Darfur, an unstable region in western Sudan.