Mumbai, June 16 (IANS) Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has been named the brand ambassador of International Indian Film Academy's (IIFA) Green Global Foundation, which champions the issue of global warming through various international events.

'Being the brand ambassador for the Green Globe Foundation is a great honour for me as it gives me an opportunity to highlight the fight against global warming,' the actor said in Mumbai Monday.

In an attempt to strengthen its commitment towards fighting the issue of climate change, IIFA launched the Green Global Foundation this year.

The foundation is the initiative of IIFA and Wizcraft International Entertainment.

United Nations Environmental Programme and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), headed by R.K. Pachauri, are the partners of the foundation.

In a symbolic gesture towards the climate change issue, instead of the usual red carpet reception to the celebrities, the IIFA had a green carpet reception at the IIFA Weekend in Bangkok this year.

As a symbol of their support to the movement against global warming, IIFA brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan and Thailand Minister for Tourism and Sports Khun Weerasak Kowsurat planted a sapling at the inauguration venue of the event.