Action star and philanthropist Jet Li has been named the first ever Goodwill Ambassador for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

During the coming months, Li will take part in many IFRC activities, which include visiting Red Cross Red Crescent disaster relief and recovery projects, attending major international events and appearing in a public service announcement.

Li, 47, was born in Beijing. After retiring as a martial artist, he entered the film world in 1982 at 19 and gained international recognition, starring in nearly 40 films.

Li has been a "philanthropic ambassador" of the Red Cross Society of China since January 2006. He launched the "Red Cross Society of China Jet Li One Foundation Project" in strategic partnership with the Red Cross Society of China in April 2007. Having the purpose of raising funds for the benefit of those affected by natural disasters, the project encourages donors to contribute 1 yuan ($0.15) a month to help people in need. During the past three years, One Foundation has raised more than 270 million yuan ($40 million).