Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative
Civic and Social OrganizationsCalifornia, United States51-200 Employees
The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a civic and social organization founded in 2012 by Forest Whitaker, an artist and activist who also serves as UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation. Based in Los Angeles, WPDI works to promote peace, reconciliation, and social development in communities affected by conflict and violence, with activities spanning education, reconciliation programs, and community empowerment. The organization operates primarily in regions such as South Sudan and Uganda, where it has launched initiatives like the Youth Peacemaker Network to foster nonviolent conflict resolution and youth leadership, and it has partnered with other entities to expand access to education and digital learning in these areas. WPDI’s work also includes programs in the United States, where partnerships aim to create more inclusive educational experiences, reflecting its broad focus on peace-building and development across diverse contexts.