Ishmael Beah is a Sierra Leonean author and human rights activist, best known for his memoir, "A Long Way Gone." Born in 1980, he became a child soldier during the civil war in Sierra Leone, which began in the 1990s. His experiences in the war and subsequent rehabilitation have shaped his advocacy for children affected by conflict. After escaping the violence, Beah moved to the United States, where he pursued education and began sharing his story. He has spoken at various international forums, raising awareness about the impact of war on children and promoting peace and reconciliation efforts worldwide.