Forest Whitaker will be celebrated as one of the winners of the 23rd Annual Crystal Awards for the leadership in peace-building and conflict-resolution he has demonstrated throughout the years, notably by empowering youth as leaders and entrepreneurs in communities touched by violence and poverty.

To achieve his ideals, Forest Whitaker founded the International Institute for Peace (IIP) in 2011 and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) in 2012.

The IIP at Rutgers University, Newark, USA, is a UNESCO Category II organization dedicated to peacebuilding, conflict transformation through non-violent struggle, and the promotion of peace education and a culture of peace.

WPDI is an enabler and incubator providing capacity-building, resources and opportunities to young women and men in Mexico, South Sudan and Uganda. A global advocate, Forest Whitaker is also one of the 17 Advocates appointed by the Secretary General of the United Nations to promote the Sustainable Development Goals.

Forest Whitaker will be honored during the opening session of the Davos Annual Meeting 2017 with two other awardees: violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and singer/songwriter Shakira.

Established in 1971 as a not-for-profit foundation by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. The 47th Annual Meeting will convene from 17 to 20 January 2017, under the theme “Responsive and Responsible Leadership”.