Forest is an artist and humanist. He is the founder and CEO of The Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, co-founder and chair of the International Institute for Peace, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Reconciliation and was recently appointed as UNESCO Special Envoy, in the development of peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict. He is a talented, versatile performer and one of Hollywood’s most accomplished figures. He has received prestigious artistic distinctions including the 2007 Academy Award® for Best Actor for his performance in The Last King of Scotland. He has also received the BAFTA Award, SAG Award, and Golden Globe® for Best Actor. In addition, Whitaker received the Best Actor Palme d’Or for Bird at the Cannes Film Festival.