New York, Jan. 26, 2006 – Nicole Kidman visited the United Nations headquarters in New York today, where she was named a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). The actress will travel to “devastated countries” learning about the organization’s projects and the role of women.

Looking around the room, Kidman joked that it was a subdued crowd, compared with Cannes. The Australian Oscar winner didn’t seem self-conscious about her diamond ring that has been the source of much speculation in the media, and a flutter of cameras went into overdrive every time her hands went up. She did not comment on how her U.N. duties and extensive travels would affect her relationships with her children with Tom Cruise, or with her “good friend”, country star Keith Urban.