Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative

Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative The official page of the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative, a non-profit organization founded by artist and social activist Forest Whitaker.

The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative is a non-governmental organization with an international scope and reach, founded by Forest Whitaker in 2012. Our mission is to help societies impacted by destructive conflicts and gang violence transform into safer and more-prosperous communities. We work to empower and inspire youth, women, and global citizens to promote peace across the planet. We con

duct and sustain our peace initiatives through conflict resolution education programs, grassroots projects, and state-of-the-art 21st century communication tools and content. Trainings provided by WPDI rest on a unique mix of peacebuilding, conflict resolution, mediation, life skills, vocational training, and ICT skills.

What began as an International Day of Peace activity at a middle school in California has grown into a thriving Gaming C...
05/28/2026

What began as an International Day of Peace activity at a middle school in California has grown into a thriving Gaming Club where students are building empathy, connection, and belonging through play.

Through WPDI’s U.S.-based Domestic Harmonizer Program, up to 185 students now gather each week to collaborate, strengthen peer relationships, and create community together in a welcoming space designed around inclusion and positive interaction.

Discover how play became a powerful tool for connection in our latest webstory at https://www.wpdi.org/news/from-campaign-to-community-how-lake-center-middle-school-built-a-thriving-gaming-club-for-connection-and-belonging/

In Yambio, community leaders are stepping forward with a shared commitment to peace.Representatives from the State Minis...
05/28/2026

In Yambio, community leaders are stepping forward with a shared commitment to peace.

Representatives from the State Ministry of Peacebuilding, the Peace Commission, Yambio Municipality, County Headquarters, the County Education Department, the County Land Authority, and other local institutions recently completed a five-day peacebuilding and conflict resolution training organized by WPDI South Sudan.

Throughout the training, participants strengthened their skills in dialogue, mediation, and conflict resolution, exploring practical ways to address tensions within their communities and institutions.

During the opening session, the Acting Mayor of Yambio Municipality encouraged participants to carry the lessons learned beyond the training hall and into everyday life, emphasizing the importance of transforming knowledge into action that strengthens peaceful coexistence. He also commended WPDI and its partners for supporting the initiative.

At WPDI, we believe peace begins at the community level. By equipping local leaders with the tools to mediate conflict, encourage dialogue, and foster understanding, we continue working toward stronger, more resilient communities across the world.

In Uganda, where WPDI’s mission first began, conflict resolution training continues to plant the seeds of peace. Today, ...
05/20/2026

In Uganda, where WPDI’s mission first began, conflict resolution training continues to plant the seeds of peace.

Today, those lessons have grown far beyond borders, equipping communities around the world with the tools to lead through dialogue, empathy, and understanding. ✨

Peace begins with how we choose to live alongside one another.On the International Day of Living Together in Peace, we h...
05/16/2026

Peace begins with how we choose to live alongside one another.

On the International Day of Living Together in Peace, we honor the communities, young people, and peacebuilders creating spaces rooted in dialogue, dignity, understanding, and opportunity.

At WPDI, we believe peace is a skill, and together, it can be practiced every day. 🕊️

05/13/2026

We’re thrilled to see our Founder & CEO, Forest Whitaker, participating in the One Young World Summit 2026 in Cape Town 🇿🇦

A foundational part of WPDI’s mission has always been creating access to opportunity, education, and support so young people can lead lasting change within their communities.

This year, Forest will join young leaders and some of WPDI’s inspiring peacemakers from the Cape Flats for conversations centered on youth leadership, peacebuilding, and creating opportunity in communities affected by conflict.

Looking forward to collaboration in Cape Town!

🌟 Women Leading Peace in the Cape Flats 🌟30 women from the Cape Flats joined WPDI’s CRE Training, building skills to pre...
05/07/2026

🌟 Women Leading Peace in the Cape Flats 🌟

30 women from the Cape Flats joined WPDI’s CRE Training, building skills to prevent, detect, and resolve conflicts in their communities.

The training covered:
✅ Conflict resolution & mediation
✅ Effective communication
✅ Peacebuilding & community dialogue
✅ Leadership & personal development

These women, part of the Women for Purpose program, are now equipped to transform their families, neighborhoods, and communities into safer, more resilient spaces.

💬 “I have found peace through this program. I can share these tools especially with the youth in my community.”
– Elsie Joan Nolusindiso Leputhing, Guguletu

💬 “This training has taught me better techniques instead of violence. I am grateful to WPDI for this opportunity.”
– Tania Nelani, Nyanga

Access to opportunity starts with access to skills.In Mexico, we're supporting youth and women with the tools to navigat...
04/28/2026

Access to opportunity starts with access to skills.

In Mexico, we're supporting youth and women with the tools to navigate today’s economy with confidence, from digital literacy to entrepreneurship.

Students are learning how to safely engage online and apply digital tools in everyday life, while women entrepreneurs are building and formalizing their businesses with skills in branding, finance, and strategy.

Together, these efforts reflect an integrated approach where skills translate into opportunity, and opportunity into long-term resilience.

🔗 Read the webstory: https://www.wpdi.org/news/from-skills-to-opportunity-advancing-livelihoods-in-chiapas/

04/23/2026

Entrepreneurship should be shaped by opportunity, not limited by barriers.

WPDI France has joined CONNECT, a European Union initiative working to strengthen support for migrant entrepreneurs and build more inclusive economic ecosystems across North-West Europe.

Bringing together 13 European partners, CONNECT focuses on aligning local and regional systems with the needs of migrant-led businesses. From stakeholder mapping to a Train-the-Trainer program, the project is designed to improve coordination, expand access to finance and mentorship, and address structural barriers.

In Aubervilliers, WPDI France sees both the strength of entrepreneurial ambition and the gaps that persist. Through CONNECT, we are contributing to solutions that are local, collaborative, and built to last.

Learn more:

WPDI continues to stand with the global campaign, bringing this powerful initiative to our Community Learning Centers ...
04/20/2026

WPDI continues to stand with the global campaign, bringing this powerful initiative to our Community Learning Centers in South Sudan.

In a country where many children have grown up in the shadow of conflict and displacement, these moments of expression matter deeply. Across our centers, children are engaging in creative activities to learn about their rights, share their hopes and dreams, and imagine a more peaceful future. 🕊️

Already 100+ children have been reached in South Sudan. Through this campaign, WPDI aims to reach 700 children across three countries, amplifying their voices globally.

Each origami dove carries a handwritten message of hope, joining a global art installation at the United Nations for International Day of Peace, calling for a future where every child is safe, seen, and supported.

Because when children are given the space to speak, the world has a responsibility to listen.💛

We’re grateful to SES for the additional support given to WPDI through the Orbits of Impact initiative at Mobile World C...
04/17/2026

We’re grateful to SES for the additional support given to WPDI through the Orbits of Impact initiative at Mobile World Congress, and for their continued partnership delivering internet connectivity to our Community Learning Centers in South Sudan and Uganda.

Together, we’re expanding access to digital education and empowering young people to build more peaceful, resilient communities!

Address

17777 Center Court Drive, Suite 600
Cerritos, CA
9070390012

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(213) 625-0410

Website

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