“When we talk about the issue of child soldiers, it can be easy to focus just on ending recruitment and liberating those boys and girls who are currently being held in military camps. Obviously, both of these are incredibly important goals, but it's also essential that we not forget about former child soldiers once they are liberated.”

American actor, filmmaker, and activist

Forest Whitaker is an American actor, filmmaker, and activist. He is known for a career on screen and behind the camera, and for receiving major honors including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a British Academy Film Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor, and the Honorary Palme d'Or. Whitaker has worked across acting and filmmaking while also being active in public causes. His name is associated with performances that brought him wide recognition, as well as with awards from both American and international institutions.