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BNP Paribas and the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative successfully hosted the programme's Year one graduation

The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative, BNP Paribas & RCS hosted the virtual graduation of the first cohort of WPDI ambassadors on Thursday 3rd.

What is the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative?

Founded in 2012 by artist, social activist, SDGs Advocate, and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation, Forest Whitaker, WPDI aims to promote the values of peace, reconciliation, and social development within local communities impacted by conflict and violence.

What is WPDI’s role in South Africa?

In 2018, BNP Paribas & RCS officially became the sponsors of the WPDI Initiative in Cape Town, South Africa. Since its launch, the programme has successfully enabled young people in the townships of the Cape Flats to become ambassadors for peace and entrepreneurship in their local community.

WPDI Graduation celebration:

In its first year, 42 handpicked youth ambassadors have undergone comprehensive training in conflict resolution, entrepreneurship and other community development issues against the difficult backdrop of a global pandemic.

We aim to celebrate their successes as the 1^st graduating class of the five year programme aimed at shaping the future leaders of South Africa. In reflection of the past year, we will hear inspiring words from Forest Whitaker, WPDI partners, local community leaders, in addition to the graduates themselves.