The Roots & Shoots Global Youth Retreat may have come to a close, but the energy, ideas, and friendships we ignited will continue to grow!
This transformative gathering was made possible thanks to the incredible support of DP World, whose commitment to sustainability and youth empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission to create a better world for people, animals, and the environment.
Over an unforgettable week in September 2025, 23 young adults from 17 countries came together in Malaysia to learn, share, and grow as a truly global community. The retreat kicked off with a warm welcome dinner — a special moment where we celebrated 10 years of Roots & Shoots Malaysia and received a heartfelt video message from Dr. Jane Goodall herself.
The days that followed were packed with storytelling workshops, leadership sessions, team-building activities, and discussions on tackling global challenges. Participants explored project implementation strategies and strengthened the skills they were most eager to develop. And of course, there was time to reconnect with nature — reminding us all why we do the work we do.
This was more than a series of workshops. It was about sharing stories, finding inspiration, listening deeply, and celebrating each other’s passions. Most importantly, it provided a unique platform for youth to design collaborative projects, strengthen meaningful global participation, and build a lasting network of changemakers.
As the first in-person global youth meeting since the pandemic, this retreat offered a rare chance to connect across cultures, exchange ideas, and co-create solutions for people, animals, and the planet.
Since 2022, DP World has partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute Global. Their support for the Global Youth Retreat reflects a shared belief: sustainability is a collective responsibility, and youth are key to driving change. Together, we are building a future where collaboration fuels hope and action.
A Youth Perspective: “You’re Going to Malaysia!” By Sarah S (Austria)
“In May of this year, I unsuspectingly opened my emails and came across one with the subject line: ‘You’re Going to Malaysia!’ Suddenly, it all came back to me. I had applied for the Roots & Shoots Global Youth Retreat 2025! Filled with excitement for the experiences that awaited me, I began preparing for the journey as best I could.”
From the welcome dinner in Kuala Lumpur, where participants were greeted by a personalized video message from Dr. Jane Goodall, to the days spent at Rimbamama Farm, the retreat was filled with unforgettable moments.
“We learned how to tell compelling stories, how to communicate effectively, and how people across the world deal with crises. Through group work and presentations about our own projects, we were able to contribute actively and learn from one another.”
The most powerful statement she took away? “People take action when the heart is touched, not when the brain is convinced.”
“This retreat enriched not only our minds but also our hearts. What felt like a farewell was actually the beginning of lifelong friendships and global collaboration between young people dedicated to nature conservation.”
Relive the energy and inspiration of the Roots & Shoots Global Youth Retreat in our official video compilation.
Watch now on Vimeo:
A huge thank you to DP World for making this gathering possible, and to Roots & Shoots Malaysia for hosting and supporting everything on the ground. Together, we are proving that partnerships power change.
Beyond our direct partnership, DP World is making a global impact through their global education platform which invites users everywhere to:
• Explore innovation in trade and sustainability through exciting lessons and free resources.
• Take on challenges and quizzes, dive into videos and VR experiences.
• Access a variety of resources and e-learning courses for educators, students, and changemakers alike.
Check out our new Roots & Shoots classroom resource created with the support of DP World that helps young people explore how everyday products connect to biodiversity and sustainability. Designed for primary school learners, it makes global supply chains easy (and fun!) to understand.
Discover the resource here
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