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Transforming attitudes: ending violence against women

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May 2013 newsletter:
Kofi Annan

 

"Archbishop Tutu was instrumental in bringing The Elders together in 2007. Since then he has led our group with a firm hand, irrepressible humour and boundless optimism, even when dealing with the most challenging subjects."

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Growing up in post-conflict Northern Ireland

As world leaders gather in Belfast for the G8 summit, what are the challenges facing young people in Northern Ireland today?

The Elders met with a group of young people from Northern Ireland during their visit to Dublin last month, to hear about the legacy of sectarian conflict for them and their communities, from youth unemployment to the lack of political representation.

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

Guest blog

Sustainable development in an unequal world

News

A chance to restore peace in DRC

Praying, working, donating and always always hoping for peace in a region I love and respect. Please don't give up. I'm pulling for you all.
Laura Diviney
North Carolina, USA
I am praying for peace for ALL Palestinians and Israelis. It has been too long coming. All children, everywhere, deserve a peaceful future.
Linda Bozant
University of Mississippi
SEE GOD in all whom you meet, Show Love and Peace to those you Greet, and Allow Goodness to be the Mission of your Feet, for the Journey of Life is Oh So Sweet. Copyright 10/14/2010 William Snyder
William Snyder
Weston Fla USA
Genuine peace should be the primary goal of all nations. Regarding Israel and the Palestinians, the goal should be the same as long as both have security and complete sovereignty.
August Woerner
Westerly, RI
you must never lie, never prevaricate. you must be aware that there can be no progress when the palestinian condition worsens. you know the current israeli administration and who heads it. please..
jesyl gonzer
philippines
The Elephant currently has its foot on the tail of the Mouse. Thank you, The Elders, for demanding the Elephant to move.
Anna Kallio
Pori, Finland
There can only be peace when the governments of the world stop the war machine and stop making weapons of death. When the power of love overthrows those who love power, only then will there be peace X
Aaron Patrick Quinn
England
Freedom for everyone...this is the true sense of the life......
nella
italy
To solve all global crisis, it isn't only for Israel but all UN member states must respect and live up the principles of each and every meaning stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Arafat Matovu
South Africa
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
all the people must work in this way because all are brothers and sisters living together in the same planet, thanks dear Elders for your help in this way
Esther
Spain
May the Almighty, bless you and may He guide you so that you may see beyond the lies and deception of the wrong doers.
Yahya Docrat
South Africa
The Elders is the most important group I believe has ever been formed. It is a reminder that the world must listen to wisdom if humanity is to heal its wounds and embrace a positive future.
Ben Erwin
New York, NY
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
I'm tired of conferences, questions and wealthy people traveling the world to discuss what we can do. When will someone step out from the masses and create something novel that we can act on instead of discussing?
Bret A. Warshawsky
United States
I would like to suggest that peace is not an end state, but the by-product of something else. What is that "something else?"
Monika Aring
Seattle, WA
We are all on the same planet, same species, all the divisions are man made. The invisible 'lines in the sand' are illusions. Live in the now not in the past. Peace, love, forgiveness.
Michelle Goff
UK
Reach out in love and light to eachother. There is only one Universal Language, and that is the Language of Love . No words are needed , only a smile, with love we can save THE WORLD.
Pauline Kelly
The Netherlands
Since the majority wants peace (95%?), there is opportunity to explore potential for cultural unity: http://abc4all.net/culturalunitypotential.htm
Burton Danet, Ph.D.
Manhattan Beach, CA USA
Let peace live in every home and heart.
Taofeek Ayanwale Adeola
Lagos, Nigeria.
Let's be peace makers and not peace breakers to make this world a better place to live
Pierrot Ngadi
Dublin
I hope all the world would be in Peace. Without War, Birds Would Be Singing. The peace from two sides not from one side so we should come together in one point.
Ahed Abu Sharekh
Palestine
A true and just peace can only benefit all. Each of us were made in the image of God, each one deserving to a life free from fear, humiliation, pain and suffering.
Diana Hasna
Florida
Our species as a whole seems to be lacking a common purpose for focus. I sincerely hope we can get past that 0.1% difference between us all to realize how important that 99.9% commonality to be.
Michael Singh
Jersey City, NJ - USA
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
Thank you so much for the work you are doing. I almost didn't send a message but if ordinary people show their support rather than just think it your work might be strengthened.
Gill Hardie
United Kingdom
Love the creator in you and all around you. If that contradicts what you think then change the way you think.
simon blackwood
scotland UK
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
Real peace comes from living harmoniously with one another. The 'reality on the ground' won't go away so isn't it time to work towards a single state solution?
Mike Lake
Derby, England
The conflict in the Middle East has been going on for far to long; and far too many lives ruined or lost; For God's sake it must stop now.
Themba P V Mndaweni
South Afraica
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Guest blog

Syria: papering over the cracks

Women protesting during the Arab awakening

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Guest blog

Fulfilling Northern Ireland’s peace agreement

Guest blog

Northern Ireland: beyond sectarian politics

Piece in Forbes on sustainabledevelopment and RIo+20 Forbes http://t.co/RBB7nhQl via @sharethis for http://t.co/cMor312w
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Rio+20 interactive: is the world getting better or worse? http://t.co/tNFZeNOp #RioPlus20
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RT @warisara: Here are some pics of iconic monuments turned pink for the launch of #bcimagirl #dayofthegirl on #BBC Newsround http://t.co/bgGyW7Iz
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Where's the sense of urgency at #CPD2012? A youth delegate weighs in: http://t.co/gerVPAXY via @rhrealitycheck #CPD45
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URGENT: Petition to the President of Indonesia Enforce the law protecting Tripa Peat Swamp & its Orangutan Populations http://chn.ge/H4JXXM Hearing date 3rd April. Please sign to help save 300...
Michelle Desilets
From The Elders' Facebook page
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@TheElders movement from finite energy sources to unlimited renewables. Invest in the technology full till! SOLAR IS UNTAPPED! #RioPlus20
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Great #post2015 blog on accountability, hot off the press from Bali, by @CIVICUSalliance's @amymillertaylor: http://t.co/5r6EYajbdZ
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RT @IbnTufail: Who's Who in Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood? http://t.co/3uqoRPUH
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RT @unausa: Curious about what Farmers are calling for at #Rioplus20? Find out more: #Futurewewant" target="_blank">http://t.co/dCsJLFpM#Futu… via @UN_Rioplus20
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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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#Rioplus20: Ban Ki-Moon announces more than 100 commitments on #sustainable energy http://t.co/rRQ9Rsno #Rioplus20
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UN Human Rts Council recently investigated atrocities in Libya, Syria, Cote d'Ivoire. Why not #SriLanka? http://t.co/AvXDcMRZ v @ColumLynch
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#Egypt Despite the Arab revolt, women remain shackled to past - Sydney Morning Herald: Sydne... http://t.co/8Iaz5ikR #Tahrir #ArabSpring
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RT @GCEDS_Integrity: #Elections are tests of #HumanRights: Stephen Stedman, Director of the #GlobalCommission http://t.co/IwVyufhp Full ...
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Halt Deportations of Tamils to Sri Lanka - Credible Allegations of Arrest and Torture upon Return (Human Rights Watch) http://www.hrw.org/news/2… ...
முத்தமிழ் வேந்தன்
From The Elders' Facebook page
Today,there are 24megalopolises of more than 10million people. Let's make our cities sustainable! @suezenv http://t.co/DSVvcIlJ #Rioplus20
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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
RT @avantgame: Lots of interest in #occupyWEF among younger participants here at Davos :) a panel on reinventing capitalism bridges the two
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The inclusive wealth of nations: devising alternative measures of human progress & #sustainabledev: http://t.co/BimfmXUN v @OurWorld20
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http://www.facebook.com/L… ! Thanks for your work and inspiration to others around the world. Everyone, please share your non-partisan rights/entrepreneurship...
Kennon Gilson
From The Elders' Facebook page
"Women have been delivering to the world, now is the time the world deliver to women" - Lakshmi Puri, acting head of @UN_Women #wd2013
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#Egypt: The Sahara and the #ArabSpring: An unquiet desert http://t.co/zPm1dJ2Vp9 by @heathermcrobie for @newleftproject
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@richardbranson @theelders @virgin Motivated and positive youth armed with a supportive circle to help them grow, learn and inspire...
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Want to learn more about the first #dayofthegirl? Read the UN General Assembly Resolution here! http://t.co/4A0iitei
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Statement from @ICRW & @GirlsNotBrides ahead of #EducationFirst Summit with Gordon Brown on #childmarriage http://t.co/TGOIk6bMbM
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Nathan Brown "Egypt’s Constitution: Islamists Prepare for a Long Political Battle" http://t.co/1lmQLznD
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Top 10 most amazing #NorthKorea defector stories: http://t.co/pzZacp6Pip #NKorea #Korea
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Sustainable development is the only way forward. The current global financial chaos confirms the need for sustainable thinking at every level. Grethe...
Grethe Boe-Waal
From The Elders' Facebook page
News

Post-2015 goals include peace and ending child marriage

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’.