Peace day

celebrations in Brussels

Jane as UN Peace messenger

In April 2002, Dr. Jane Goodall earned the prestigious honor of becoming a United Nations Messenger for Peace for her work with the Roots & Shoots programme. Roots & Shoots groups around the world have shown their commitment to creating a better life for people, animals, and the environment and thus contribute to a better world.

Jane“Every year, the United Nations International Day of Peace is held on September 21, when people around the world express their desire for peace. So that the majority of Roots & Shoots groups and JGI friends can be involved, I have chosen to have the “Roots & Shoots Day of Peace” take place in late September in support of the United Nation’s peace endeavors. I do hope that you and your friends and families will join groups around the world to fly Peace Doves and celebrate the desire for peace in the human spirit! The Giant Peace Dove puppets—”flown” by young people and the young at heart in cities, towns, and villages near and far—are a symbol and celebration of peace and peace work. Last year, peace doves flew in cities and countries around the world. In 2013, we hope once again to see doves flying all around the globe.With these humble creations made out of recycled materials, we remind everyone that peace is possible. We celebrate all that is free and noble in the human spirit. And we celebrate all that so many people have done throughout the year—and will do next year—to create a better world. Please join us in September, your participation will mean so much to me. Together we will celebrate peace within ourselves, peace within our communities and peace around the world!

Love, Dr. Jane”

Giant Peace Dove Campaign On International Peace Day

Every year, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots groups around the world celebrate peace and “fly” their Giant Peace Dove Puppets in September. In Belgium we also fly a Giant Peace Dove at the annual UN Day celebrations at the end of October, gathering all the Belgian Roots & Shoots groups on the Grand Place/Grote Markt in the centre of Brussels.

How to contribute to peace?
  • You can register and become a part of the global Giant Peace Dove flock in September.
  • You can register and join us for the Giant Peace Dove Parade at UN Day on the Grand Place/Grote Markt in Brussels at the end of October.
  • You can make your own Peace Dove.
    make a doveDownload the instructions how to make your own giant peace dove here.
    Download the small peace dove instructions here

Photo credit: (banner) Fernando Turmo/JGI