Celebs Give U.N. Star-Power Punch

Some foreign policy analysts say that celebrities are far more likely to get involved in skirmishes and even ruffle some diplomatic feathers. Or, perhaps, they're also in it for the attention and up for the ground work.

Reese Witherspoon has teamed up with the UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, for projects that will empower women around the world. No doubt a good cause, Reese is helping the charity through her paid-role as a global ambassador for Avon, driving sales of Avon's Women's Empowerment bracelets, the proceeds of which go to Avon's Empowerment Fund, which collects money for UNIFEM.

When Farrow wrote on her website last year, "Jimmy Carter – Wake up, Jimmy! You're old enough to know better," the former president was offended. "Those are harsh words," he said in an interview with ABC News, responding to Farrow's comments about his own trip to Darfur and comments he made about a meeting with Sudanese President Oman al Bashir.

Farrow responded by saying, "I'm completely free to say anything I want. And you're right, I have no trade [LAUGHS] agreements with anyone and I can be as incautious as I, I feel the occasion calls for."

In his book "Celebrity Diplomacy," Andrew Cooper points out that Gerri "Ginger Spice" Halliwell, who was named a U.N. Goodwill Ambassador, may have had good intentions, but failed to follow through.

"The celebrities can attract attention on an issue, but they cannot solve a war. They cannot really be mediators in a crisis. There is no doubt that they have a limited role," said Montas -- a role best personified by pioneering star Audrey Hepburn who drew worldwide attention to UNICEF. Her legacy is one that today's stars hope to expand.

Click here to learn more about the U.N. Goodwill Ambassadors.