One Direction launch campaign to end poverty, inequality and global warming

The new initiative - called the action/1D manifesto - asks their fan base to share powerful pieces of creative content to raise awareness of some of the most important issues the world is currently facing.

It is part of the wider action/2015 campaign, which is a global citizens movement united by the idea that 2015 can be the year when the world sets the agenda to finally tackle these crucial problems.

However, they argue that real change can only happen if global people power compels World Leaders to make ambitious commitments at two crucial summits to be held in New York in September and Paris in December.

Shakira, Ben Affleck, Sir Richard Branson, Bill and Melinda Gates, Bono, Malala Yousafzai and Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu are among the other high-profile names supporting the campaign.

"Time and again our fans have shown how creative and powerful they can be when they unite and that's why we want to all join together to speak out and hopefully make a real and lasting change to the world around us," said One Direction.

"Young people really do have the power to help end poverty, tackle inequality and to stop dangerous climate change. Now is the time for us to unite, take action and raise our voices to show that we care about the future of our planet."

Brendan Cox, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children, part of action/2015, added: "One Direction is the biggest band in the world and by mobilising the millions of young people in their fanbase they'll shine a light onto the most important issues of our time.

"UN processes are normally worthy but dull. We hope One Direction's work will make this year's key summits not only worthy but a matter of public excitement.

"Only with that public engagement will whatever is agreed actually get put into practice. This really can be the generation which changes the future for the better."