Forest Whitaker is the founder and CEO of the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI), through which he provides skills and opportunities to youths and women in regions affected by violence and armed conflict in Mexico, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, France, and the United States. He is also co-founder and chair of the International Institute for Peace, UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, and a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocacy Group. Renowned for his dedication to cultivating children’s and youths’ artistic talents, he served on President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, working closely with elementary schools to demonstrate the power of the arts to unlock creative potential.
In addition to his social activism, Whitaker is one of Hollywood’s most accomplished and versatile figures. Through his production company, Significant Productions, he supports young filmmakers and believes film can inspire meaningful dialogue on important social issues. He has produced several award-winning documentaries and received numerous distinctions for his acting, including the 2007 Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland, for which he also received a BAFTA Award, SAG Award, and Golden Globe. He also received the Palme d’Or for Best Actor for Bird at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival, among other artistic and humanitarian accolades.
Whitaker’s commitment to peace and social justice has led him to work closely with the United Nations and its agencies. He has addressed the Security Council and the Human Rights Council, and through UNESCO continues to champion tolerance, openness, and mutual understanding as UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation.