10:00, 27 February 2026
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
In a world that can often feel divided, stories of generosity and shared humanity offer a powerful counterbalance. Peter Samuelson has built a remarkable career on exactly that principle. Though widely known for his success in film and media, his enduring legacy is rooted in philanthropy and a belief that kindness, when acted upon intentionally, can reshape lives and communities.
Championing a Global Movement for Kindness
In February 2026, Samuelson was appointed Global Ambassador for Kindness Worldwide Inc., a charitable organisation dedicated to fostering a culture of kindness across communities worldwide. The movement began in April 2023 following a simple yet profound act of kindness between two strangers and has since grown into an international initiative encouraging individuals and institutions to elevate kindness as a shared global value.
As ambassador, Peter supports the organisation’s signature initiative, Kindness Week Worldwide, which mobilises schools, businesses, faith groups and community organisations to celebrate and practise kindness in tangible ways. Inspired by the documentary For Such a Time as This, which tells the story behind the movement, Samuelson has spoken about the importance of powerful storytelling in shaping culture and encouraging empathy at scale.
A Career Defined by Social Impact
Samuelson’s philanthropic leadership stretches back decades. He co founded the Starlight Children’s Foundation alongside Steven Spielberg, creating programmes that bring joy and support to seriously ill children and their families.
He later established Starbright World, an early avatar based online community designed to connect seriously ill teenagers during periods of isolation. Determined to support vulnerable young people beyond childhood, he founded First Star, which partners with universities to provide long term academic support for foster youth, helping them prepare for higher education and independent adulthood.
Samuelson also created Everyone Deserves a Roof, developing patented mobile shelters to assist people experiencing homelessness, and launched ASPIRE, a media training programme for undergraduates.
A graduate of Cambridge University and UCLA Anderson School of Management, Samuelson has produced 27 films while consistently aligning his professional influence with charitable purpose. His work demonstrates that philanthropy need not stand apart from enterprise. Instead, when compassion guides leadership, kindness becomes not just an ideal, but a practical force for lasting social change.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Kindness Worldwide Inc.. This global nonprofit organisation was founded to create a culture of kindness in communities around the world. Inspired by a single act of goodwill, it mobilises schools, businesses and civic groups through initiatives such as Kindness Week Worldwide, encouraging kindness to be recognised and celebrated as a shared human value. Learn more here.
Starlight Children’s Foundation. Co-founded by Peter Samuelson and Steven Spielberg, this international charity supports seriously ill children and their families through hospital programmes, entertainment initiatives and innovative services designed to reduce isolation and bring moments of joy during treatment. Discover their work here.
First Star. This US based charity partners with universities to deliver long term academic support to young people in foster care, helping them prepare for higher education and independent adulthood. Find out more here.
This positive news article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships For The Goals.
