An American movie Actor known as Forest Whitaker has promised to promote peace in South Sudan through his foundation.
Forest Whitaker who is the UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation visited Juba over the weekend.
The Actor says he will continue supporting peace in the country through Whitaker Peace and Development Initiate (WPDI).
It was founded in 2012 to empower young people in business and entrepreneurship skills. The Initiative operates in the three states of the Greater Equatoria region
Mr. Whitaker interacts with people his organization supports in South Sudan and calls for youth empowerment during his advocacy campaign.
Bush Buse, the program Coordinator for WPDI, says Forest Whitaker is expected to meet with several participants, stakeholders, partners, and government Officials of the line ministries.
He stressed WPDI founder last visited the country in 2019 and it took him a long to visit Juba due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Bush highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by South Sudan and its people and stressed the importance of adopting an approach to address the challenges.
Forest Whitaker’s visit to South Sudan comes at a time when there is a growing concern about the fear of new violence in the country.
Whitaker, who has been on a week-long trip to South Sudan, expressed his concern about the escalating conflict in the country.
The American Actor says he came to witness the impact of his foundation on the people and identify the needs of the young which he described as “pillars of peace in the country.”
He added that his initiative will continue to support young people who are committed to improving their lives and livelihoods.
Forest Whitaker is a well-known actor, filmmaker, and director who won numerous awards for his work in the entertainment industry.
Some of his notable movies include “The Last King of Scotland,” for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor, “Black Panther,” “Panic Room,” “The Butler “Arrival,” “Platoon” “Good Morning Vietnam,” “The Great Debaters “American Gun,” among others.
However, he is also recognized for his humanitarian work and his efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in conflict-affected areas around the world.
The UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, Forest Whitaker has been actively involved in promoting peace and reconciliation.