26 June 2014 - Hollywood actor and UNESCO special envoy Forest Whitaker today arrived in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, where he will launch the Youth Peacemaker Network—an initiative aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation.

Mr. Whitaker was received by representatives of UNMISS, the state government and youth leadership of Eastern Equatoria.

“The Youth Peacemaker Network is a peacebuilding initiative designed to harness the potential of youth for peace, non-violence, reconciliation and mediation in fragile contexts,” the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative said.

“We are pleased to be here and we’re looking forward to working on projects that will harness the potential of the youth for peace, non-violence and reconciliation,” the Oscar-winning actor said.

Eastern Equatoria State Youth Minister Mark Akio Ukinbul welcomed Mr. Whitaker and his team, adding that he hoped his project would make a difference in the lives of young people. He said the state was “peaceful in every aspect” and suitable for development projects.

Mr. Whitaker will meet the state Governor before they officially launch the Youth Peacemaker Network later today in Torit. He is accompanied by UNESCO, and telecoms giants Zain and Ericsson.