Planting Seeds of Hope ユースたちの希望の種まき

Kaoru Nemoto, Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Tokyo, opened the event by highlighting Dr. Goodall’s global influence:

“In 2002, then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed Dr. Jane Goodall as a UN Messenger of Peace. She has since participated in Peace Day ceremonies held every September 21, engaging with youth on ways to create a better world.

As a UN official and as an individual, I deeply believe in her words—that each of us can make a difference and take the first step toward change. Today offers a powerful opportunity to reflect on our collective determination, action, and solidarity as we step toward a more sustainable future.”

To thunderous applause, Dr. Jane took the stage before an audience of 120 students—from elementary school to university—and nearly 100 adults. The room fell silent as she began to speak, recalling the moment her childhood dream took root:

“At age 10, I decided I would go to Africa, live with wild animals, and write books about them. Everyone laughed. They said, 'Africa is far away, and you're just a girl.’ Back then, 80 years ago, girls didn’t do that kind of thing. But my mother told me: 'If you really want something, work hard, take every opportunity, and never give up.’ I held onto that belief. I couldn’t afford university, so I trained as a secretary and worked as a waitress to save for my trip. Eventually, I made it to Kenya—and to the chimpanzees.”

Dr. Goodall went on to describe how chimpanzees display emotions and social behaviors deeply similar to our own: hugging, kissing, holding hands, even comforting each other with a reassuring touch.

She introduced her beloved plush friend, Mr. H, and spoke about programs like TACARE, which supports local communities in harmony with conservation efforts, and the global growth of Roots & Shoots.

“Every choice we make in our daily lives impacts the planet. That means we can also choose to make a positive difference—by supporting people, animals, and the environment. Roots & Shoots is expanding quickly here in Japan and across the world. When young people understand the issues and take action, they become a powerful force for change. That is my reason for hope.”

After Dr. Goodall’s talk, students were invited to write down words that inspired them on paper leaves made from recycled newspapers. A young participant wrote, “Don’t give up just because people tell you. Achieve what you want to.” With nearly 130 such leaves, a vibrant tree mural of collective hope took shape.

Each voice, each story mattered—and seeing them come together in this way offered a quiet but powerful visualization of how shared action can grow into something beautiful.

In a session designed around “public narrative,” three youth speakers delivered heartfelt stories built on the framework of the “Story of Self,” “Story of Us,” and “Story of Now.” Their words moved and motivated everyone in the room.

“Once, there was a little girl who was fascinated by the world around her. She loved reading, and her mother often shared stories about powerful women, hoping to inspire her daughter to believe she could do something great, too.”

That girl was Rena herself, and it was a picture book about Dr. Jane Goodall first opened her eyes to the power of one person’s dream. Inspired by Jane, Rena launched a Roots & Shoots group at her school, aiming to reform how cafeteria waste was managed. When she first proposed the idea, a teacher told her, “It’s a great idea, but honestly, I doubt the students will keep it up for more than a month.” Rena recalled how embarrassed and frustrated she felt—but also how determined she became to prove them wrong. “I wanted to show it was possible—for every child who’s ever been told, ‘You can’t.’”

Her journey mirrored Jane’s own. During moments of doubt, her mother reminded her, “If it’s worth doing, then it’s worth doing right.” Those words kept her going as she tackled recycling and waste challenges head-on. Four years later, Rena continues to lead weekly activities with her team. The initiative has grown to include over 50 students across grades, and now even parents and teachers are involved. What began as a student effort has become a sustainable, school-wide movement.

“Thanks to Roots & Shoots, I’m not just hoping for change—I’m working for it. And I plan to keep doing that for the rest of my life. Thank you, Dr. Jane, for inspiring me to be part of something that truly matters.”

Tetsuya, High School Senior, Regenerative Designer began by describing how, as a child, the sweltering heat and extreme weather made him feel uneasy. That concern eventually grew into a deeper awareness of the climate crisis. When he was unable to attend school during his student years, he found himself in a dark place. One day, he watched a documentary on climate change by NHK—and broke down in tears.That moment led him to Fridays for Future.

“In Grade 8, I joined an online meeting. I was too nervous to turn on my camera, so I typed my feelings in the chat. Later, I joined a small climate march in Yokohama. I held a cardboard sign that read: ‘OUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE’—and I walked through the city for the first time.”

“It made me realize I wasn’t alone in feeling anxious about climate change. And that it’s never too early to take action—you don’t have to wait until you’re an adult.”

Over the next three years, he visited sustainable farms, organized film screenings, and led climate marches. Through it all, he began to think: “It’s not just about expressing anger or urgency—I want to create change from the roots. I want to be grounded. I want to be part of the solution.”

Today, Tetsuya is exploring regenerative ways of living—ways that don’t just reduce harm, but actively heal the planet.

“I believe humans don’t have to be destroyers of nature—we can be its healers. That’s the hope I hold.”

The final speaker, Mirei Okita, is a sixth grader who founded “Dream Builders,” a youth-led team focused on environmental action. Today, she speaks with clarity and purpose—but her path was shaped by struggle and self-discovery.

As a younger child, Mirei tried hard to meet adult expectations. By Grade 2 or 3, she began to feel that “no matter what I said or did, nothing would change.” Still, little by little, she started wanting something more—to become someone who could find what she wanted to do, and take action.

One day, while eating a fish, she discovered a tiny piece of microplastic inside. That moment shocked her. She began researching, learning everything she could, and realized the power of knowledge. It lit a fire in her. She wanted to act—and that motivation led her to start Dream Builders.

“I wanted to create something that would help kids like me live more freely.” Her team brings together students with different strengths—some are good at design, some at public speaking, others at research. Together, they collaborate to make a difference.

Through this process, Mirei realized something powerful: “When given the chance, anyone can shine as a leader.” With a strong sense of empathy and an inclusive spirit, Mirei closed her story by sharing what leadership means to her:

“It’s about understanding, compassion, and action. That’s what makes a true leader.”