From fighting apartheid in South Africa to defending human rights worldwide, Navi Pillay reminds us that peace begins with the courage to imagine a more just world, and to spend a lifetime working toward it. Congratulations, Navi, on your well-deserved Nobel Peace Prize!
Amazing moment.
Navi Pillay has received the Nobel Peace Prize ! bbc.co.uk/news/live/ck5yng9z…
We are at the Nuremberg Court; I cannot think of a stronger symbol for her Nobel prize.
We are all so thrilled!
This is her first reactions upon hearing the news:
Peace is possible, and it begins with people. Thank you to everyone who made WPDI’s #RiseAsOne Gala so meaningful: our youth peacemakers, honorees, performers, partners, and friends. 14 years ago, I founded WPDI with a vision for what we could build together. Our work continues.
Forest Whitaker retweeted
Every human being has equal value. Every single one.
At the United Nations General Assembly, I challenged a world that still decides whose lives deserve protection and whose suffering can be ignored.
No race is superior. No people are disposable. Until we honour that truth, "everywhere is war" remains a warning we have failed to heed.
What the world needs now is love, with the courage to confront injustice and defend our shared humanity.
Love and a little kindness. For everyone.
At his final #UNGA, @antonioguterres said: “To pretend that peace can be separated from dignity, opportunity and rights is an unacceptable illusion.” As @UNESCO’s Special Envoy, I saw this firsthand. It led me to create @connectWPDI. May this belief guide this week's discussions.
“The greatest power is not the power to dominate.
It is the power to build a future that works for everyone.”
At #UNGA, @antonioguterres stresses our shared future depends on whether humanity can govern power wisely.
un.org/sg/en/content/sg/stat…
Everywhere my work with @UNESCO and @connectWPDI has taken me, I’ve seen the same truth: peace takes root when we invest in people. This #InternationalDayofPeace, I reflect on what that commitment looks like, and why it cannot wait until conflict begins. wpdi.org/news/investing-in-p…
Forest Whitaker retweeted
Peace is not simply the absence of war. It depends on the ability of societies to confront disagreement without violence, protect human rights and dignity, and keep dialogue open when tensions rise.
Today, conflict, displacement, discrimination, hate speech, backsliding on rights and polarization are fracturing communities and eroding trust.
On this #InternationalDayOfPeace, @UNESCO calls for greater investment in the institutions, skills and relationships that allow societies to address tensions before they turn into violence.
unesco.org/en/days/peace?hub… #ForThePeople
Every child should be able to learn without fear.
This is one of the beliefs that led me to become @UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation and, later, to found @connectWPDI.
I stand with our longtime partners at @childreninwar so every child can shape their own future.
War leaves deep scars on children, threatening their right to learn.On the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, Forest Whitaker and @connectWPDI call on us to protect children and schools from violence.
#ProveItMatters #ProtectEducationFromAttacks
We're giving away two pairs of tickets to join us for this special evening! Check out the post below to learn how to enter. Good luck!
As an artist and a humanitarian, @DollyParton used her extraordinary gifts and platform in service of others. Her legacy lives not only in her music, but in the spirit of kindness she shared with the world.
Rest in peace, Dolly🕊️🤍
Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.
At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at dollyparton.com
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at imaginationlibrary.com
Young people want to shape their future. Yet @UNESCO's Lead with Youth report found only 35% of youth organizations surveyed said their input was reflected in final decisions.
This #YouthDay, I wrote about why investing in youth means investing in peace: wpdi.org/news/investing-in-y…
Nelson Mandela showed us that peace is built through courage, compassion, and our shared humanity. On #NelsonMandelaDay, I honor his enduring legacy and recommit to carrying his vision forward. May we keep choosing dialogue, dignity, and peace every day.
Today, I remember John Lewis with deep gratitude. His unwavering commitment to justice inspired me and millions of others. The greatest tribute we can offer is to carry his work forward - standing up for one another, protecting human dignity, and believing change is possible.
As we mark 250 years of the United States, this milestone invites us to reflect on the responsibility that comes with shaping our nation's future. May we honor the ideals that have inspired generations by striving to build a more compassionate America.
We're through! 🙌🇺🇸⚽
Huge congratulations to our national soccer team for reaching the round of 16. Let's keep this run going! 🥳
Home is more than a place.
This #WorldRefugeeDay, we honor the resilience of millions of people displaced by conflict and violence around the world.
Today, I reflect on belonging, hope, and the urgent work of building peace. Read my op-ed: wpdi.org/news/honoring-world…
This #Juneteenth, I honor the generations who carried the dream of freedom forward, those who endured, resisted, and continued building a more just world. Join me in reflection today as we honor the past, acknowledge the present, and commit to the work still ahead.
I’m thrilled to participate in @OneYoungWorld’s 2026 Summit in South Africa alongside WPDI Youth Peacemakers from the Cape Flats 🇿🇦 My belief in the transformational power of young people continues to guide the work of @connectWPDI.
He's transforming the world on- and off-screen 🎬
From becoming on-screen characters to supporting young people in shaping their own futures.
We’re excited to announce that @ForestWhitaker is joining us in Cape Town this November! 🎉
Forest built a career on transformation. Deep immersion. Full commitment. Becoming entirely part of the worlds he portrayed — through research, discipline, and lived detail.
Similarly, his own life evolved and transformed.
An injury changed his direction early on. Sport became opera training. Opera became acting. Forest became globally recognised and award-winning, including an Oscar and a BAFTA.
As his career evolved, so did his purpose.
Through his organisation @connectWPDI, he now works with young people in communities affected by conflict — including in South Africa — supporting skills, opportunity, and leadership pathways that last beyond a single moment on stage.
We are honoured to welcome him as a Counsellor at the One Young World Summit Cape Town, 2026. 🇿🇦
🔔 Stay tuned for more iconic Counsellor announcements!
#OneYoungWorld #OYW26 #ForestWhitaker #CapeTown #Peacebuilding #Leadership
Congratulations to Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler on your Oscars for Sinners! From Fruitvale Station to Black Panther, it has been a privilege to witness and be part of this journey with you both. Your storytelling continues to move cinema forward.
On #InternationalWomensDay and every day, I stand in solidarity with women globally. From the women in my life and through @connectWPDI, I have learned the power of resilience, leadership, and courage.
We must listen to and uplift female leaders. It is the path forward.
On #InternationalWomensDay, women across WPDI’s global network share a message to the next generation of female peacebuilders.
Globally, women are mediating conflicts, supporting one another, and creating opportunity.
When women rise together, peace rises too. 🕊️💜
I’m deeply concerned by reports of escalating violence against children in South Sudan. I stand with @childreninwar & @_VanessaFrazier in calling to protect children and de-escalate the conflict. The children of South Sudan deserve dignity, opportunity, and a future in peace.
South Sudan’s children are facing an alarming surge in grave violations amid escalating conflict. As hostilities intensify across the country, children are paying the highest price. Read SRSG CAAC
@_VanessaFrazier's full statement: bit.ly/46DRyPa
#ProveItMatters
