Medal of Peace

Location

Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, Peace and Justice Theatre

Cost

0

In this year in which we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, the University of San Diego has selected Mr. Forest Whitaker as the new recipient of the USD Medal of Peace. Mr. Whitaker is a Changemaker who combines empathy, talent, creativity and persistence to go from inspiration to transformative action. He is a unique example to us all of what can be done to transform situations of conflict, inequity, and injustice, locally and abroad.

As an actor, producer, and film director, Mr. Whitaker has excelled in film and television highlighting important issues of our time. In 2007, he won an Oscar and other awards for his role as the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the film The Last King of Scotland. Beyond his great success in the entertainment industry, in 2012 Mr. Whitaker launched the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, a nonprofit organization “to foster peace and reconciliation in disadvantaged and fragile communities in different regions of the world.” His commitment to peace and justice has been recognized globally. For instance, he has been appointed Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation by the Director-General of UNESCO, and Advocate for Children Affected by War by the United Nations. In January of 2017, Mr. Whitaker received a Crystal Award at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Event Details:

Changemaker Experience and Light Reception | 5:00 p.m.

Medal of Peace Ceremony | 6:00 p.m.

Driving Directions and Parking information:

Valet parking will be available from 4:30 p.m. in front of the Kroc IPJ for $7.00. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. View driving directions and parking information.

Note: The 2018 Medal of Peace has sold out—thank you for your support.