Jane Goodall, the world’s foremost authority on chimpanzees and leading conservationist, will be speaking at the DIFC in Dubai on Saturday 19 January. Known for her life’s work studying the Gombe chimpanzees, Goodall will also be talking about her educational project in the UAE: Roots & Shoots. The event, entitled ‘Reasons for Hope’, is hosted by the Emirates Literature Foundation, and will take place at the DIFC Conference Centre at 16:00.

The talk will cover Goodall’s journey, her pioneering research on wild chimpanzees, and her on-going efforts to inspire every individual to protect the environment we share.  She will discuss the future of wild animals and the threats they face from devastating habitat loss, as well as the battle against illegal wildlife trade in ivory and rhino horn. Goodall will share highlights from some of her most unique experiences in the field, her candid thoughts on the future of conservation, and above all, provide heartfelt reasons to maintain hope despite growing threats and often overwhelming odds, using examples of the work undertaken by the Jane Goodall Institute, (www.janegoodall.org.uk). An international non-profit organisation established in 1977, and now with offices in 27 countries, one of its key missions is to empower individuals to take informed and compassionate action to improve the environment for all living things.

Isobel Abulhoul, OBE, CEO and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation, said: “I can’t think of a better speaker or a more worthy topic to kick off our calendar of events for the new year. We know that bringing together the authors and topics that matter the most with our uniquely diverse community has far reaching consequences, from improving individual lives to bettering our collective understanding of the world. I can’t wait to hear Jane Goodall share her Reasons for Hope, especially as I too have found many reasons to feel hopeful about the future through the work we do as a foundation.”

Goodall said “I am delighted to collaborate with Emirates Literature Foundation to give the ‘Reasons for Hope’ talk in Dubai. As I travel nearly 300 days per year on a perpetual world speaking tour, it is important for me to remind communities about the importance of education in creating lasting, positive change for the earth, its animals, and all its people. For the last five years with start up support from Abu Dhabi Environment Agency, we have been able to establish a successful programme in 100 schools across the UAE, predominantly Abu Dhabi. One of my wishes for my on-going legacy is the establishment of Roots & Shoots in all emirates.

“I do believe in the possibility of a world where we can live in harmony with nature but only if every one of us does our part to make that world reality. So when we look back at our journey and our lives, we can truly say ‘I made a difference’.”

Internationally renowned, Goodall has received many distinguished awards in science and today travels the world lecturing on conservation issues that affect us all.  She says that she is truly inspired by the many young people she meets who are involved in Roots & Shoots who are empowered to make the world a better place for people, animals and the environment. Dr Goodall is also the author of many acclaimed books, including the bestseller, Reason for Hope.

Tara Golshan, Executive Director, Education, Jane Goodall Institute, said: “Around 100,000 young people are now engaged with Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots programme in the UAE. It encourages them to implement practical positive change for people, animals and the environment. The future is in their hands, and by encouraging their involvement we give them the skills, hope and confidence to make it a better one. With greater challenges facing our humanity, it is even more imperative that young people get involved with activities that not only promote peace but give them a sense of self-worth, belonging and positive contribution to society.”

Alya Al Zarouni, Executive Vice President of Operations at DIFC Authority, commented: “We’re pleased to welcome Jane Goodall and the Emirates Literature Foundation to DIFC for what should be a fascinating event. It is the first of many activities that DIFC will be hosting in 2019 to further enhance the offering to our community. We are sure that people who attend will be inspired by Jane’s achievements to play their role in protecting our environment.”

The talk will be followed by a book signing.  Tickets are available for AED 75 from https://www.elfdubai.org/en/jane-goodall-reasons-for-hope

More information about the Emirates Literature Foundation, which is the home of Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, taking place 1-9 March 2019, can be found online and year-round news of #DubaiLitFest on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.