Our Promise To You, 100+ Children Around the World Lead Tribute to Sir David Attenborough at 100

A one-minute film created by children from across the world will be released on 8 May to mark the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough, offering a simple but powerful message of gratitude, connection and responsibility for the natural world.

Created by youth-led nonprofit YESfest and supported by Nature Wave, the Royal Society of Arts, artist JR’s Inside Out Project and more, the film brings together children’s voices, portraits from around the world, Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday and large-scale public art.

A thank you from more than 100 children and a promise from the next generation to continue Sir David’s love and care for Planet Earth.

A Global Portrait of a Generation Inspired

The film features two parallel installations of more than 100 large-scale black-and-white portraits of children and significant adults who have been inspired by Attenborough’s work to devote their lives to protecting the natural world.

One installation is displayed at Terra, The Sustainability Pavilion at Expo City Dubai, while the other is exhibited in the Great Room at Royal Society of Arts where Sir David is a Fellow.

The installations serve as a reminder that the next generation’s relationship with nature is both deeply local and inherently global.

A Different Kind of Climate Story

YESfest is an emerging international nonprofit exploring how a sense of civic identity and environmental stewardship can develop between childhood and adolescence, when young people begin forming lasting beliefs about their identity, purpose and role models.

Rather than focusing on fear or urgency alone, YESfest creates experiences that are serious in intent but joyful in execution.

The project is grounded in Sir David’s belief that:

“No one will protect what they don’t care about. And no one will care about what they’ve never experienced.”

The idea for the film emerged from a conversation between YESfest and Nature Wave, whose work also centres on deepening people’s relationship with nature as a foundation for meaningful environmental action.

Nature Wave Community Interest Company focuses on reconnecting people around the world with nature through accessible and educational experiences such as Family Nature Challenges. Working with schools, communities, nature reserves and global partners, including international sports teams such as the Desert Vipers, the organisation combines citizen science, storytelling and hands-on engagement to inspire people to notice and care for the natural world around them.

Notable Contributors

A notable inclusion in the film is award-winning children’s author Simon James, whose books regularly focus on a child’s relationship with the natural world, including Dear Greenpeace, Sally and the Limpet, The Wild Woods and The Birdwatchers.

The film also features the JESS Jumeirah Chamber Choir, directed and musically arranged by Sophie Wetherell.

Voices from the Project

Alex Bell, Co-Founder of YESfest, said:

“This is not just a tribute. It’s a thank you and a promise. Sir David Attenborough has helped millions of us see the beauty and fragility of the natural world. What these children are showing is that they are ready to carry that forward, not through fear or guilt, but through connection, joy and a sense of shared responsibility.”

Rianshi, a 10-year-old YESfest youth ambassador, said:

“Sir David showed us the world. Now it’s our turn to take care of it.”

Alan Smith, Founder of Nature Wave, said:

“Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations not only to see the natural world, but to feel deeply connected to it. This project shows what comes next – when that sense of wonder is passed on, and people of all ages are given the chance to respond in their own voice. At Nature Wave, we are proud to support experiences and organisations like YESfest that help turn that connection into something active, meaningful and lasting.”

Collaboration Across Sectors

The film has been created in collaboration with partners spanning art, education and environmental engagement, including:

• YESfest CIC
• Inside Out Project
• Nature Wave
• Expo City Dubai
• Royal Society of Arts
• Simon James, Author
• JESS Jumeirah Chamber Choir, directed and musically arranged by Sophie Wetherell

Watch and Share

The one-minute film will be released on 8 May 2026 via the YESfest website.

Due to licensing agreements for Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday, the film will be hosted from 1 May 2026 until 31 October 2026 and is intended for non-commercial use.

The final film will be available from 00:00 on 8 May 2026 at:

Website