On 4 May 2024, the British Council, in collaboration with Roots & Shoots Turkey and Pera Museum, welcomes Dr. Jane Goodall (PhD, DBE / Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace), whose revolutionary work with chimpanzees in the 1960s transformed our perspective and understanding of the world!
Following the opening speech by Jill Morris, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Turkey, Dr. Goodall will share her life story, her journey through the forest, and how she keeps hope alive in the face of today's crises.
Dr. Goodall, whose research upended previously accepted notions about humanity's “unique” characteristics and led the way in forging a deeper bond between humans and nature, celebrated her 90th birthday on April 3rd. She continues to play a crucial role in the protection of nature, biodiversity, and the fight against climate change, as well as addressing environmental injustices. Through the Roots & Shoots program, which encourages young people to take action in over 65 countries around the world, including ours, she engages with children and youth, supporting their efforts to make a difference.
The event at Pera Museum Auditorium is free of charge. Simultaneous English-Turkish translation and sign language interpretation will be provided. Seats are limited and no reservations are made.
About Dr. Jane Goodall
Jane was born on April 3, 1934, in London, England. From early childhood, she harbored a deep fascination with the animals and natural life of Africa. In 1957, upon a friend's invitation, she traveled to Kenya, where she encountered the esteemed paleoanthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey. In 1960, at Leakey’s behest, Jane commenced her pioneering research on chimpanzee behaviour in Gombe National Park. It was there she observed chimpanzees crafting and utilizing tools, a discovery that profoundly impacted the scientific community.
In 1977, Dr. Goodall established Jane Goodall Institute to share her vision with the world and future generations. In 1991, she initiated a global movement encouraging children and young people to inspire and enact change within their communities by advocating for the environment, animals, and human welfare. Today, Roots & Shoots program empowers young individuals to take action in over 65 countries worldwide.
In April 2002, Secretary-General Kofi Annan named Dr. Goodall a United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 2004, she was honored with the Order of the British Empire during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. In 2006, she was bestowed France's highest award, the Legion of Honour. In 2021, Jane was awarded the esteemed Templeton Prize. Over the years, Dr. Goodall has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Kyoto Prize from Japan, the Benjamin Franklin Medal for Life Sciences, UNESCO's 60th Anniversary Medal, and the Gandhi/King Award for Non-Violence.
In addition, Dr. Goodall is the author of many books that have influenced an international readership. She has also been the subject of several documentaries. Today, Jane is 90 years old and still travelling, speaking about environmental crises and reasons for hope in the places she visits, lecturing remotely to keep in touch with her worldwide audience despite the current challenges, as well as publishing a podcast series called ‘Jane Goodall Hopecast’.
