Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall (1934–2025)
United Nations — Oct 1, 2025
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Summary
The UN family announced the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, United Nations Messenger of Peace, on October 1, 2025. A pioneering primatologist, environmentalist, and humanitarian, she transformed global understanding of chimpanzees beginning with her fieldwork in 1960. Goodall founded the Jane Goodall Institute, widely recognized for its conservation and community-based programs across Africa, and launched the Roots & Shoots initiative, which mobilized young people in nearly 100 countries to act for a more just and sustainable world. Appointed as a Messenger of Peace in 2002 by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, she spent over two decades advocating for environmental protection, peace, and sustainability.
Quotes
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“Primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian, Dr. Goodall was appointed a United Nations Messenger of Peace by Secretary-General Kofi Annan in 2002.”
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“Through her global Roots & Shoots programme, she inspired generations of young people in nearly 100 countries to take action for a more just and sustainable world.”
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“Her legacy will continue to guide and inspire humanity’s collective efforts for peace, sustainability, and harmony with nature.”
While working in Tanzania - i once sat by Jane Goodall on the 1.5 hour domestic flight to Kigoma - the nearest airport to her Chimpanzee research area. She had some anxiety about flying and the flight to Kigoma had epic turbulence and warm air from Lake Tanganyika rose and caused bumps. To soothe the ride, she carried a toy stuffed chimp on her lap. She held it very carefully and it was very sweet to behold. We spoke effortless about how our work intersected - as I was there working with refugees and she on conservation. We partnered with her NGO called ROOTS n SHOOTS - which worked with young people in rural communities - often near refugee camps - to plant trees to try and stem deforestation, hold off erosion, provide some conservation education, and maintain habitat for wildlife. It was a memorable flight and she was so lovely and so easy to talk with - for sure a person who left a huge legacy and I will never forget it. RIP. Rob Carr
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