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Sending a strong political signal

Press release

Kofi Annan appointed Chair of The Elders

The Elders in Gaza

Middle East peace

After decades of peace process, there is still no peace.

Find out more about The Elders' work to support civil society working for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East

Press release

The Elders call on Europe to play a stronger role in the Middle East

Our planet needs to be free from the pursuit of selfish gain. I am an earthling & believe our Planet should be Under the rule of no man or woman. All animals deserve to be Free, as nature intended.
Christian Boshell
Dublin
It has been said that until the children of the Middle East sleep soundly in their beds, neither will children around the world. Please join us in this historic opportunity for peace.
Jeff Skoll
USA
Men and women are both incredibly important to bring peace to the middle east. It takes both of us to make the world go around and we are falling down on the job. We must work together!
Lucy Sommer
USA
We hope and pray that Israel and Palestine while utilizing diplomatic channels would come to a permanent solution. That day the world would become secure and serene.
Naeem ur Rehman
Pakistan
if we are all the children of G_D, then how could he love any of else greater or lesser? We are all the chosen of G_D and we are loved unconditionally and without bias. Peace is...Inevitable
michael
usa
There cannot be peace without dignity. I live in the US, which holds the key to peace, and yet does all to maintain an unlawful occupation. Let's hope our new administration will help turning the tide
Hernan
USA
Silver Inning Foundation an NGO working towards creating Elder Friendly World where Ageing becomes a Positive and Rewarding Experience Supports 'The Elders' Initiative .
Sailesh Mishra
India
I hosted the Elders dialogue today at Government house in Jerusalem. The path to peace is there to grasp through women and children of the coming generations. The choice is yours!
Robert Mood
UNTSO
Here's a good start...The Venus Project http://www.thevenusproject.com/ You may call it Utopia....however as Lennon sang in Imagine..."I hope some day you will join us" Peace!!
Rob
Northern California - USA
Peace is an activity, not a place or an end--it's an ongoing process of connection and conversation and exploration. And I can think of no better work to be engaged in. Thank you, each, so, so much.
Siona
USA
Peace comes when the separate communities work together for the common good. In the case of Israel/palestine, the focus should be on water. http://bit.ly/95zTCa
Richard Lawson
Somerset, UK
Let's be peace makers and not peace breakers to make this world a better place to live
Pierrot Ngadi
Dublin
You elders are showing us how to build a better world community. Please keep working as a force for compassionate listening and taking a stand for what's right. Thank you.
Tom Gibbons
Tucson, AZ USA
Having worked for peace personally since 1992, the majority of those years spent in the Holy Land, I have never stopped believing that peace is possible and will be a reality one day, when all want it
Mark Polane
Jerusalem
I pray for the little children of Gaza. I know many of them have lost their homes and family members in the recent conflict. I pray that The Elders can help bring about peace to their troubled land.
Peggy Sheridan
N. Ireland
it wonders me that the world wide " wholesale peacemakers"[US&allies] are still supporting israel...
MuHammEd FaZiL BiN MusThaFa
InDIA
Peace pacts have never worked throughout history. The formation of a society of peoples (such as the EU) of disparate cultures that had been enemies for centuries (such as the EU) can bring peace.
Nick (Klaus) Veltjens
Melbourne Australia
Thank you for the brilliant webcast highlighting the challenges and opportunities for peace. It is essential that we keep the bright light of truth focused on reaching a true solution. Well done!
Warren
London
Peace depends not on what we are taught from the outside, but from what we know on the inside. Everyone is born with an innate sense to be at peace. We can return to that.
Michelle Enfield
USA
Let's learn to listen to each other with our hearts. Free yourself from hatred. We are no different than you. Be respectful and coexist peacefully. Thank you, The Elders. God Bless.
Arita Soenarjono
Indonesia
Don't give up, ever. There is more that links us together than divides us. We must all find our common humanity.
Sarah Lewis
United Kingdom
If a friend can become an enemy. Then an enemy can become a friend.
Vu Nguyen
The United States Of America
" an enemy is actually a friend waiting to be made. " and another quote; "try to walk in your neighbour shoes". or look to the man in the mirror. it starts with me. and you!
Isabel van Oorschot
Tilburg, The Netherlands
Dear Elders, Here are my voice of advice in lined with UN Charter for peace and rights. As many peace activist are struggling to see that democracy exist in the Midlle East, these steps will eventual
Dr Safdar Khalifa
Nigeria
I support all those working tirelessly for a peaceful coexistence. It is important to listen to the concerns and aspirations of a broad range of individuals on both sides.
Richard Branson
England
Until we learn to love and forgive our selves, respect each others opinion, then there will be change for peace. The words of the elders are like the words of the gods and should be put into practice.
Justin Kingland
Malaysia
The time for terror is long past... we now need to support each other by building trust and understanding between all nations so that our children and grandchildren may grow in harmony for a peace
Susie Briscoe
UK
Why is not there a scientist among The Elders? Someone like Stephen Hawking or Jaque Fresco. Scientists are idealists who could provide important opinions on global issues
Guillermo Borbolla
Mexico
It is time to move forward. Israel must recognise the State of Palestine on the 1967 border, Jerusalem internationalized. Palestine will recognize Israel.
Mike
United States of America
'Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.' 'Do unto others as you would have them do to you'. We learn this simple wisdom as children, yet somehow as we 'grow' we leave it behind. Peace!
Hayley Keane
Scotland
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The Elders in Dublin

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End the isolation of North Korea

Women protesting during the Arab awakening

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Syria crisis: "We are not able to keep up"

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We must have the courage to defend our values

"Most Israelis agree the #twostatesolution is the only path to peace. The Palestinian #UNbid could help to advance it." Martti Ahtisaari
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Good read - New post by @JRandomF on @HuffPostWorld that covers #Syria #HumanRights and #Tech "Tech for Truth" http://t.co/S56uKbp7
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NYTimes Op-ed from WWF head @jimleape on sustainable development - RT @lassewwf: It's Happening, but Not in #Rioplus20 http://t.co/FgUfAbE2
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“Pillar of Defence” 3 comments and 3 scenarios by @ICSR Atkin Fellow Gil Messing http://t.co/aP6R3Oab via #israel #middleeast #hamas
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@WorldBank infographic suggests opportunities for #sustainabledevelopment in tech & transport sectors in urban areas. http://t.co/yPfPjz2z
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Why Does Social Media Matter for Rio+20? #RIOplus20 http://t.co/Sqz5lIOt
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Two years on, Syria burns while the world fiddles - an indepth look at the #SyriaCrisis by ARA's Stephen Starr: http://t.co/SeYoGiBvfp
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South Sudan crisis: five children dying each day from diarrhoea & severe infections in refugee camps. Donate to #MSF http://t.co/mkdB8kKn
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RT @womenforwomenUK: Want to help women affected by war rebuild their lives? Text JMOB12 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 to @womenforwomenUK #Bridge12 #IWD
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To achieve sustainable development our world leaders must agree on stricter rules for businesses, especially bug businesses that are destroying the planet. These rules should enforce recycling,...
Grace Hall
From The Elders' Facebook page
I want to a break a law. The law that allows for perpetual/historical ecological degradation of our rare biodiversity of the Niger Delta.
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RT @GdnDevelopment: Podcast: what can #Rioplus20 achieve? Join the debate about this month's conference http://t.co/pE0vsmON #globaldev
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Report: Aphrodite’s Gift: Can Cypriot Gas Power a New Dialogue? Now available in Greek http://t.co/agpFbqCQ
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@TheElders #RioPlus20 Gov need to encourage MNC's to include the youth in CSR policies. Investing in growth systems - key to sustainability
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RT @olavkjorven: Just presented this live e-report from 1st global conversation on new development goals, to global #post2015 panel http://t.co/VQohPNF1X7
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“The world must know what is happening here, they must perceive how destroying forests and indigenous people destroys the entire world. Because of this we do not want Belo Monte.” http://www.redd-...
Vera F. H. Carvalho
From The Elders' Facebook page
#AskTheElders - What can we do to encourage Delegates mtg at CCAMLR to protect key #Antarcticocean habitats? #JointheWatch
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Independence day: South Sudan - one year later: http://t.co/lMUanubc #aid #globaldev
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Remember the dignity of your womanhood. Do not appeal, do not beg, do not grovel. Take courage, join hands, stand beside us, fight with us. ~Christabel Pankhust...
Friends of Maiti Nepal
From The Elders' Facebook page
@TheElders #EplusY...leaders who fail to listen to the voice of their people, as seen in recent times, do so at their own peril....
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Please make the DR Congo people’s wellbeing part of your wishes for the year 2012!...
RC RevolCongo
From The Elders' Facebook page
@TheElders My partner was filming in the Pitjatjanjarra Lands & he learnt that resourcing the Elders is crucial to empowering WISE #youth.
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SUDAN: Layla Ibrahim Issa - Another Woman Sentenced to Death by Stoning. Take Action Now! AWID: http://t.co/RCXaT4jn #sudanrevolts
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Les filles subissent la pratique des mariages prècoces dans la région de l'extrême-nord du Cameroun. Elles sont envoyées en mariage entre 9et 15ans. Billé Siké...
Sike Bille
From The Elders' Facebook page
RT @UNIC_Jakarta: What's your idea to get better future? Read people's ideas here: #FutureWeWant #RioPlus20 http://t.co/rjIp4GPw
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Rio 1992 connected the environment and development. Rio+20 looks like splitting them up @oxfamgb #rioplus20
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#jimmycarter : it took us 12 yrs to write a #constitution. Don't underestimate wt u have done #asktheelders @TheElders @YoungArabVoices
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Syrian opposition driven into arms of Islamists - interview w/ Peter Harling in @dw_english http://t.co/IxMS9jT8
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Men forming human chain around women marchers. Pretty sure it's symbolic as women are leading some of the loudest chants. #tahrir #Jan25
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News

Sheikh Jarrah: solidarity in a shared city

The Elders

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

Founder and Honorary Elder

Former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Laureate; a leader who has dedicated his life to the anti-apartheid struggle, democracy and equality; founder of The Elders.

Martti Ahtisaari

Martti Ahtisaari

Former President of Finland; Nobel Peace Laureate and expert in international peace mediation, diplomacy and post-conflict state building.

Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan

Chair of The Elders

Former UN Secretary-General, Nobel Peace Laureate and Chair of The Elders; put development, human rights, the rule of law, good governance and peace at the top of the United Nations agenda.

Ela Bhatt

Ela Bhatt

The ‘gentle revolutionary’; a pioneer in women’s empowerment and grassroots development, founder of the more than 1 million-strong Self-Employed Women’s Association in India.

Lakhdar Brahimi

Lakhdar Brahimi

Former Algerian freedom fighter, Foreign Minister, conflict mediator and UN diplomat; an expert in peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction.

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Deputy Chair of The Elders

First woman Prime Minister of Norway and Deputy Chair of The Elders; a medical doctor who champions health as a human right; put sustainable development on the international agenda.

Fernando Henrique Cardoso

Fernando H Cardoso

Former President of Brazil; implemented major land reform programme, reduced poverty and significantly improved health and education; an acclaimed sociologist and global advocate for drug policy reform.

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter

Former President of the United States, Nobel Peace Laureate and veteran peace negotiator; dedicated to advancing peace, democracy and health worldwide.

Graça Machel

Graça Machel

International advocate for women’s and children's rights; former freedom fighter and first Education Minister of Mozambique.

Mary Robinson

Mary Robinson

First woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; a passionate, forceful advocate for gender equality, women’s participation in peace-building and human dignity.

Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu

Honorary Elder

Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Nobel Peace Laureate and Honorary Elder; a veteran anti-apartheid activist and peace campaigner widely regarded as ‘South Africa’s moral conscience’.