Victoria Beckham has been named a United Nations goodwill ambassador for the organisation's campaign on HIV/AIDS.

The news was confirmed on Thursday (September 25) at the UN building in New York.

She said in a press conference: "I'm a passionate supporter of women. I want to support women, I want to empower women, and I believe that everybody has the right to a healthy life.

"I'm a mother, I'm a woman, I want to do whatever I can do to lend my voice, raise awareness."

The former Spice Girl added that a recent visit to Capetown, South Africa encouraged her to take on the role.

Beckham said: "I was so touched by the women that I met. I felt inspired and I came home and knew I had to do something. It's taken me getting to 40 years old to realise I have a responsibility as a woman, a mother. I have a voice that people will listen to."

Follow us: @Pressparty on Twitter / Pressparty on Facebook.

Watch Victoria Beckham give a speech at the UN below: