Grateful Dead member named UN Goodwill Ambassador

Bob Weir performs during Acoustics 4 A Cure at the Fillmore in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 15, 2017. Bob Weir performs during Acoustics 4 A Cure at the Fillmore in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, May 15, 2017. Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 70 Caption Close Grateful Dead member named UN Goodwill Ambassador 1 / 70 Back to Gallery

The long, strange trip rolls on.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) appointed Grateful Dead co-founder and guitarist Bob Weir as its newest Goodwill Ambassador, the agency announced by press release Sunday.

As an ambassador, Weir will help raise awareness and mobilize support for the UNDP's fight against poverty and climate change, with a specific emphasis on advocating for climate initiatives and projects that "promote renewable energy, preserve coastlines, combat deforestation and ensure a healthy planet for generations to come."

"We all need to ensure we fight to make the planet a better one for the generations that follow us," Weir said in the statement.

The musician was honored at a ceremony during the Social Good Summit in New York City. He is touring with his band Dead & Company through February.

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