He has become an international star through his emotional interpretations of classical music. Now Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang is taking to the world stage to help the United Nations promote global education.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday designated the acclaimed 31-year-old native of Shenyang, Liaoning province, as a Messenger of Peace with a special focus on education. In the role, Lang Lang - the first person from China to receive the honor - will support the secretary-general's Global Education First Initiative. The campaign will use the "transformative power of education to build a better future for all" through raising education's political profile and quality, and generating funding through "sustained advocacy efforts", according to the UN website.

"Education is the key to development," Lang Lang said at a ceremony at the UN headquarters in Manhattan. "Our youth are the leaders of tomorrow. We must give them the necessary tools to reach their goals in life and make their dreams come true."