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Forest Whitaker named UNESCO goodwill ambassador

Published Friday, Jun 17 2011, 14:53 BST | By Justin Harp | Add comment

Forest Whitaker has been named as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

The Oscar winner will officially join the organisation at a ceremony to be held Tuesday in Paris.

Whitaker was selected to represent UNESCO as spokesperson "in recognition of [his] humanitarian and artistic commitment", according to a press statement from the group.

Among his tasks will be promoting peace, human rights and global citizenship to the general populace.

Whitaker has been an active charity campaigner for many years, supporting People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and also championing the cause of Ugandan orphans.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela and ex-US First Lady Laura Bush are among UNESCO's team of celebrity goodwill ambassadors.

UNESCO was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Paris.

Catch .44, in which Whitaker stars with Bruce Willis and Nikki Reed, is to be released later this year.