The UN International Day of Peace is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. This day reflects the very heart of our mission: fostering harmony among people, animals, and the environment.

Roots & Shoots was born from the belief that every individual can make a difference. The programme and its philosophy is one of the reasons former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan invited Dr. Jane to become a Messenger of Peace—and why Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon reappointed her.

Peace is not just about ending wars. It’s about how we treat each other, other animals, and the environment we share. Every Roots & Shoots project—whether restoring habitats, promoting education, or building community—brings us closer to that vision.

From the revitalised forests of South Korea to the digital gatherings in Germany, from the determined youth of Sierra Leone to the passionate classrooms of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr. Jane’s legacy lives on with Roots & Shoots. These stories remind us that peace is not just an ideal — it’s a practice, a commitment, and a shared journey.

South Korea

At Wild Trust Land, a sanctuary once devastated by illegal logging, Biodiversity Foundation, Roots & Shoots Korea transformed a wounded landscape into a thriving jungle in just one year. Thirty participants gathered for a field program focused on “Wild Etiquette” and “Peace in the Wild,” exploring how respect for all living beings — even those labeled as “pests” or “invasive” — a powerful reminder that peace extends beyond human communities.

This transformation echoes Dr. Jane Goodall’s timeless message: when we give nature a chance, it knows how to heal. And that, above all, gives us hope.

Germany

Roots & Shoots Germany hosted its annual gathering, uniting groups from across the country in an inspiring online event. The afternoon served as a powerful platform for reflection, collaboration, and celebration of the vital role Roots & Shoots plays in fostering peace — both within communities and across borders.

The gathering was more than just a discussion; it was a reinforcement to the belief that peace begins with each one of us — through respect, empathy, and collective action.

To close the event, Roots & Shoots members wrote their personal wishes and pledges for peace, capturing their hopes in a group photo. “Every individual has the power to make a difference,” Dr. Jane often said. This gathering was a living example of that truth.

Sierra Leone

For Babablie, a Roots & Shoots member in Sierra Leone, hope is a mission. Growing up in a country still healing from 11 years of civil war, he has witnessed the challenges young people face: from limited quality education, political instability to the lingering scars of conflict. Yet, his experience at the Global Youth Retreat in Malaysia reignited her belief in a brighter future.

“ Having the privilege to interact with fellow participants, seeing and learning from their work… that gives me HOPE for the future.”

His project in Sierra Leone focuses on:

• Empowering youth as peace ambassadors
• Bridging ethnic, cultural, and social divides through dialogue
• Strengthening academia and youth networks for inclusivity and resilience

Through Roots & Shoots, Babablie and his university peers are nurturing a new generation of leaders, proving that even in adversity, hope can drive change.

Democratic Republic of Congo

In Goma, DRC, the Roots & Shoots club at Tupendane Institute hosted awareness sessions to mark Peace Day 2025. They aimed to inspire peace education and volunteerism among students. Using the “Volunteer’s Toolbox” manual, they explored compassion, solidarity, and hope — values especially vital in their city’s challenging context.

Their mentor left them with a powerful reminder: “You are the catalysts for change.” These young leaders are planting seeds of peace, one classroom at a time.

A Global Movement for Peace

From restored forests to digital gatherings, from wounded nations to classrooms, Dr. Jane’s legacy will continue. Roots & Shoots continues to empower people to foster peace, proving it is not just a word — it is a shared responsibility and a daily practice.