Vigdís Finnbogadóttir turns 95: A legacy rooted in nature and language

Today, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former President of Iceland and the world’s first democratically elected female head of state, celebrates her 95th birthday. Marking nearly a century of life dedicated to culture, language, and public service, Finnbogadóttir shared a powerful message on this special day — a call to cherish and protect Iceland’s natural environment and linguistic heritage.

In a short address published in a special birthday supplement in Morgunblaðið , Vigdís Finnbogadóttir expressed her greatest wish: that Icelanders remain vigilant in preserving the treasures that define the nation.

“Just like the air we breathe, we tend to take the country's unspoiled nature and Icelandic culture for granted. But that is not the case with either,” she wrote. “These values ​​can be lost with complacency in a short time.”

Throughout her presidency (1980–1996) and the decades since, Finnbogadóttir has remained an unwavering advocate for environmental protection, cultural heritage, and especially the Icelandic language — a cause she has championed both at home and internationally as UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Languages.

A nation reflects

On her 95th birthday, Finnbogadóttir is receiving well wishes from across the country and beyond. Iceland’s current president and prime minister, along with former presidents, public figures, and longtime collaborators, have shared reflections on her impact and the legacy she continues to build.

Widely respected not only as a political figure but also as a cultural leader, Finnbogadóttir has been a source of inspiration to generations, both in Iceland and around the world.

Her words today serve as a poignant reminder: the future of a nation’s identity lies in the care it takes to preserve its past — and protect its most precious resources.