The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday paid tribute to one of its Goodwill Ambassadors, Sir Roger Moore, better known as James Bond 007, who died earlier in the day.

UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake said in a statement issued in New York, USA: “With the passing of Sir Roger Moore, the world has lost one of its great champions for children – and the entire UNICEF family has lost a great friend. In his most famous roles as an actor, Sir Roger was the epitome of cool sophistication; but in his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he was a passionate – and highly persuasive – advocate for children. He once said that it was up to all of us to give children a more peaceful future. Together with Lady Kristina, he worked very hard to do so.

“All of us at UNICEF extend our deepest sympathies to the Moore family, and join his many friends and admirers from around the world in paying tribute to his life and mourning his loss. He will be deeply missed.”