Singapore, 9 December 2024 – City Developments Limited (CDL), Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore) (JGIS) and Ocean Geographic jointly organised a historic fundraising event titled “Hope & Harmony – Between Nature and People, Blue and Green, for Today and Tomorrow” in support of environmental conservation efforts. Held at Orchard Hotel Singapore on Sunday, 8 December 2024, the event featured two of the world's most celebrated legendary conservationists: Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of JGIS and UN Messenger for Peace, and “Her Deepness” Dr Sylvia Earle, Founder of DEEP HOPE and Mission Blue, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and TIME Magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet”. For their first ever collaboration in Asia, Dr Goodall and Dr Earle took to the stage together to share inspiring stories behind their over six-decade-long journeys, including the importance of environmental conservation and nature preservation in support of the planet’s most vulnerable inhabitants.
The event was attended by around 1,400 guests from all walks of life across the public, private and people sectors. The event raised some S$150,000 from ticket sales, which will go towards environmental conservation efforts undertaken by JGIS and Ocean Geographic.
The event highlights included:
- Personal reflections and aspirations by Dr Goodall and Dr Earle, who shared their challenges and hopes for the planet
- Children’s worries and wishes expressed by winners of CDL’s “We Love Our Planet” Storytelling Contest
- A Net Zero pledge aimed at fostering a brighter and more sustainable future
- An engaging dialogue between the two remarkable women, moderated by Ms Esther An, CDL’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Dr Shawn Lum, Senior Lecturer, NTU Asian School of the Environment
- A musical performance by Singaporean musician Ms Inch Chua
At the end of the event, Special Guest Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Mr Heng Swee Keat presented the tokens of appreciation on behalf of the Singaporean community to both Dr Goodall and Dr Earle.
Mr Sherman Kwek, CDL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are honoured to host this historic collaboration between two of the most respected environmental champions – Dr Jane Goodall and Dr Sylvia Earle. This first-ever joint effort in Singapore showcases the power of partnerships in advancing sustainability. By supporting the crucial work of Dr Goodall and Dr Earle, this will strengthen global conservation efforts and help to inspire the wider community to contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for all. Together, we can create a lasting impact and safeguard the well-being of our planet and its people.”
Dr Jane Goodall, said, "I have a conviction, that we can make the world a better place. But there is a time limit. We have to help young people see that they can make a difference. We have to encourage them. We need to connect their head with their heart.”
Dr Sylvia Earle, said, “I hope for your help to explore and protect the wild ocean in ways that will restore the health and, in so doing, secure hope for humankind. Health to the ocean means health for us.
