United Nations: Russell Simmons & Ben Chavis, Jay-Z & MTV

The United Nations seems to want in on the hip hop celebrity scene and recently named Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis as UN Goodwill Ambassadors.

Now, news that Jay-Z is hanging at the UN has gotten out!

Here are the Secretary-General's remarks at [the] launch of UN MTV Jay-Z collaboration to raise awareness on the worldwide water crisis:

I am therefore very pleased to announce today a groundbreaking collaboration between the United Nations, MTV and Jay-Z to raise awareness about the world's water crisis.

All of us at the United Nations are excited about this initiative. Working with MTV and Jay-Z, we hope this campaign will motivate youth to take action both in their own lives, and in support of broad eco-friendly initiatives.

MTV's global reach and credibility can play an important role in educating and empowering its audience.

Jay-Z, through his enormous influence, will inspire young people everywhere to care, conserve, and join in the search for solutions to our water crisis.

Or move some units on his upcoming world tour:
Jay-Z & Friends Do It For The Thirsty Kids!

Update:
Actually, Jay-Z will be touring in the MTV production of Jay-Z Cares About Thirsty People.

All kidding aside, this is a nice, safe way for Jay-Z to inch into a bigger public role.  And water is a very big deal.

MTV has more, much more:
Although he acknowledged that it might be difficult to shake off the sadness of seeing so much human tragedy during the day and become a fun-loving showman at night, he said the shows will not be melancholy.

"Music is escapism," he said. "Also, I'll take joy in the fact for that two hours or however long I'm playing, everyone can enjoy themselves and forget about the issue we're talking about."

Update 2 Via Nah Right:
Jay-Z clarifies that his education will not extend to "bureaucracy", whatever that means, and that he'll be taking the Michael "No Waves" Jordan approach to corporate responsibility, thank you very much.