The Icons Panel: The Cause for Conservation, why it matters now more than ever.
In this truly iconic session, we will be joined by singer and Oscar winning actress, Cher, and the foremost primatologist of the last century Dame Jane Goodall. Moderated by legendary journalist John Simpson, Cher and Jane will discuss their lifetime’s work in conservation, and why protecting our natural world matters now more than ever
Speakers
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CherSinger and Oscar Winning ActressCher
Singer and Oscar Winning Actress
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Dame Jane GoodallFounder, Jane Goodall InstituteDame Jane Goodall
Counsellor
Founder, Jane Goodall Institute
Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace is a leading global advocate for people, other animals and the natural world. In July 1960, at the age of 26, Jane Goodall travelled from England to what is now Tanzania and ventured into the world of wild chimpanzees. Her revelatory observation that chimpanzees make and use tools rocked the scientific landscape and forever redefined our understanding of the relationship between humans and other animals. Jane earnt her PhD in ethology at Cambridge University in 1965. Dr Jane Goodall went on to redefine conservation to include the needs of local people and the environment – an approach we call ‘Tacare’. In 1977 she established her first community conservation organisation, the Jane Goodall Institute USA. The Jane Goodall Institute UK launched in 1988. There are now an incredible 25 not-for-profit Jane Goodall Institutes around the world working together to advance Dr Goodall’s vision of a better future for all.
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John Simpson CBEWorld Affairs Editor, BBCJohn Simpson CBE
World Affairs Editor, BBC
John Simpson, the BBC’s World Affairs Editor, is a household
name and the most distinguished foreign correspondent of the
age. Recognised as the “David Attenborough” of news, John is a
multi-award winning, veteran news broadcaster (and accomplished
author) who has covered almost every major event of the world
from the 1960s to the present day.
His seminal reports on the Big moments of recent history make up an
illustrious list to include the Iranian Revolution, the First and Second Gulf
Wars, the Fall of the Soviet Union and the Berlin Wall, the end of
Apartheid in South Africa, the Genocide in Rwanda, the wars in the
former Yugoslavia and the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing.
John’s stories of war and revolution are many and varied: he walked into
Taliban-occupied Kabul at the head of the BBC news team in 2001,
having previously infiltrated Afghanistan dressed in a burka. He
accompanied the Ayatollah Khomeini on his plane from Paris to Tehran
to depose the Shah of Iran, he danced on top of the Berlin Wall in 1989;
he watched at close range the missiles raining down on Baghdad in the
First Gulf War.John was made a CBE for his reporting in 1991. He has won numerous
awards, such as three Baftas, the International Emmy and Peabody in
the U.S., the RTS Journalist of the Year, twice, – to name but a few.
Twelve universities have awarded him honorary doctorates, St.
Andrews, Nottingham, Southampton, Exeter and Leeds, to name some.
He was also made a Freeman of the City of London. He is an Honorary
Fellow of Magdalene College, Cambridge. -
Sue WhiskyCEO and Founder of Environmental Network MalawiSue Whisky
CEO and Founder of Environmental Network Malawi
Sue is a passionate environmentalist from Malawi, whose journey began at 14 when she witnessed the devastating impacts of climate change in her village. As a pioneer in agro technology and environmental conservation, she has spearheaded innovative projects like solar-powered irrigation systems that significantly improve water efficiency for rural farmers, reducing their reliance on rain-fed agriculture. Her work in transforming agricultural waste into eco-friendly briquettes also promotes sustainability and economic empowerment. In 2019, Sue’s activism earned her the title of One Young World Ambassador. She founded the Environmental Network Malawi, leading efforts in environmental development, conservation, and education. Collaborating with local and national authorities, she has electrified rural areas with solar power, planted over 5 million trees, and significantly increased food harvests. Her water projects have improved access to clean water for numerous communities, ensuring sustainable water management practices. Sue’s work has provided jobs for thousands of women, sent children to school, and generated economic opportunities for farmers. Her vision is a brighter, greener future for Malawi and the world.