“So far this conflict has cost nearly 100,000 lives and driven over 1.5 million people out of Syria as refugees.”
Read Jehangir Malik’s blog on the crisis in Syria.
Find out more about The Elders' work on refugee and humanitarian issues.
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"With a lot of help and guidance from our Chair, we began to see that as Elders together we could do so much more.” Mary Robinson
Desmond Tutu was instrumental in shaping The Elders since its formation in 2007. He has now stepped down as Chair.
View his biography to find out more about him and his work with The Elders.
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Building peace in Northern Ireland
G8 leaders are in Belfast this week, one month after The Elders met young people from Northern Ireland to hear about the challenges their communities face.
Read Fíachra’s blog on going beyond sectarian politics, Helen’s blog on the need for a Bill of Rights in Northern Ireland, and watch the video of the Elders' meeting with the young people.
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Can sustainable development be fair?
A high-level UN report emphasises the importance of sustainable development beyond 2015. Chinese climate campaigner Marvin Nala examines the report's recommendations and looks at the big questions that still remain.
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During The Elders' biannual meeting in Ireland, Desmond Tutu announced he was stepping down as Chair after "six wonderful years". The group appointed Kofi Annan as his successor.
Find out more about Kofi Annan and our new Deputy Chair, Gro Harlem Brundtland
Latest work
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."
Visit our newsletter archive
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.
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
I believe that people around the world need to know more about how family's, especially children, suffer due to the lack of Peace around the world. Ignorance truly denies others of bliss.
We salute the ELDERS for now deciding to intervene collectively to resolve the Palestine-Israel conflict, which is the central geo-political crisis of our times.
In the midst of so much confusion and pain, we must learn to love each other and only then will our pain cease to be of any importance.
We've so much work to do; the time is now! Thank you Elders!
I would like to commend Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu for stating his viewpoint which in fact is a viewpoint that has been long ignored by the international community.
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.
Welcome! messengers of peace. Your love & concern are empowering our hope and vision for a peaceful future in our region. We all know that it is possible and its the only way!
Yours, Miriam Ohevetel
Help Greek politicians solve the debt crisis without exhausting to death the Greek people. The way they have begun solving the crisis does not allow growth.
It is insufficient simply to support 'peace'. We need to set out the choice: either two states (partition) or a single democratic state. There is no third way.
The U.S. should not wait two years. It should recognize Palestine de facto NOW.
There is no more important nor more attainable issue than that of World Peace. Only through peace can man work together to overcome all other challenges to the survival of mankind on Earth.
All of our human needs are the same. Safety for ourselves and our families, ease and peace. When we see our own humanity in others we are better able to find solutions for peace.
Thanks a lot for the wonderful work you're doing through the whole world,we appreciate for that,and for us we also need such opportunity to reach us here in Uganda
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
'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!
There are two ways of getting richer. Either you need less or you get more. Only when society will be based on the first, peace and justice will prevail.
Thank you all so very much. With your wisdom, experience and guidance, may the peace process move forward.
Our Elders you are real heroes of this world, Middle eastern people were living together in peace many centuries, and it is possible again keep going and we will support you!
An open apology to the Palestinians and acknowledgment of the mistakes the western world has made in the past, will show respect to all those who suffer, and this will give them hope and strength.
War has killed millions of beautiful human beings - Yet if a Microbe was found on another planet it would be cherished as a miracle - Peace, respect and tolerance is the only way forward.
Hi
I have been in the last 4 years lecturing for Palestinians about the Jewish Holocaust in europe.
i would like to introduce this Jobb to the elders showing its powe to bring peace
052-455
If you were the parent of all mankind, how would you teach your children respect and loyalty?
Grief can interrupt the abiity to build peaceful relationships. It can even obstruct the ability to see that possibility. Healing grief, then, is an integral part of the peacemaking process.
Like the wonderful movie "The Lemon Tree", we all want to live peacefully. Its just a matter of walking in your neighbor's shoes...and letting your neighbor walk in yours.
each journey begins with one foot in front of the other,extend your hand in peace and someone will always shake it
We all want peace and prosperity.
So let's focus.
Everything else is not important.
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!
Blessings and Aloha, thank you Elders for making a journey for World Peace. My prayer is for the children and the Earth to be cared for - everywhere. When we put our hearts in charge it will happen.
May God continue to bless all of you who work on this planet in the name of peace. Our hearts and prayers are with you in your endeavors always!
What unites us in being human is much greater than that which divides us. Let unity triumph in peace.
True Peace evolves from within. . Change is inevitable. Let go of that which does not serve in the name of Peace. Children are our future and they prefer Love, Peace and Joy.
Have a question? Visit our new FAQ page
The Elders on Twitter
"We often discuss the problems facing youth without consulting them; but I believe we need to hear their views" @KofiAnnan #kofiannanlive
"Today we have 75 million young people who are unemployed. What can young people do for their future?" @KofiAnnan #kofiannanlive
Starting in 15 minutes: Kofi Annan & young leaders answer your questions on youth unemployment – watch live http://t.co/WzjGh7RmDS
“Ultimately there can be no humanitarian solution to a political problem” - @jehangirmalik urges govts to renew diplomatic efforts in #Syria
It is #WorldRefugeeDay. Read @jehangirmalik's blog on Syria's refugee crisis & urgent need to step up relief efforts http://t.co/IrDCII1N5A
Have a question for @KofiAnnan on youth unemployment? Tune in to the next #KofiAnnanLive Dialogue tomorrow! http://t.co/WzjGh7RmDS
"Tackling the root causes of #VAWG is essential for development." Gro H Brundtland welcomes @CommonsIDC report http://t.co/i1QXt6AVQO
“The #NorthernIreland I live in falls short of what was originally envisaged and voted for back in 1998.” Helen Flynn of @billofrightsni
Fulfilling Northern Ireland’s peace agreement: campaigner Helen Flynn blogs on need for #humanrights bill http://t.co/nnCaPlYn1z
As Northern Ireland hosts the #G8, @Fiachrakme, 17, asks leaders to put socioeconomic issues above sectarian politics http://t.co/yG52Z2h26C
"There has been a rollback of the Good Friday Agreement" #NorthernIreland youth tell Elders. Watch the video http://t.co/1vXTy8RvIn
"Although The Troubles may have ended, the divisions & separation of people based on religion & political ideology has not" says @Fiachrakme
Beyond sectarian politics: guest blog by 17-year old @Fiachrakme on the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland http://t.co/yG52Z2h26C
VIDEO: With world leaders in Belfast for the #G8, what are the challenges facing Northern Ireland youth today? http://t.co/1vXTy8RvIn
What's the fairest way of financing sustainable development – should rich countries & big polluters be doing more? http://t.co/YLwD8yyQti
Sustainable development in an unequal world: Marvin Nala blogs on what UN #Post2015 report means for China http://t.co/YLwD8yyQti
“To protect women in times of war, first make sure women receive equal rights in times of peace.” Martti Ahtisaari http://t.co/l9UTWEWWOx
A #PlanB for business: driving a more inclusive, equal & sustainable world – instead of being part of the problem http://t.co/JXXMAm1gdE
How do we make business prioritise people & planet alongside profit? Gro H Brundtland & Mary Robinson join The B Team http://t.co/JXXMAm1gdE
Photo archive: @KofiAnnan and fellow Elders speak to journalists in #SouthAfrica, May 2010 http://t.co/1iyRrZZA2H
Will the #post2015 report make a difference? Depends what happens next. Stephen Hale http://t.co/19XmhbH8GH #HLP @fp2p
From Twitter 
From Twitter
RT @BeckyDavis0202: @TheElders inspire us that relationships can form across all generations. How can we stimulate this locally? @unfoundation #rioplussocial
From Twitter
RT @CTurlington Why invest in Women? Cool info-graphic from USAID explains here http://t.co/1r6xoZym @mosch65 @everymomcounts
Dissent Sprouts in Sudan, but It May Not Be Arab Spring http://t.co/5ZVjrR0c #sudanrevolts
From Twitter
RT @GCEDS_Integrity: #Elections are tests of #HumanRights: Stephen Stedman, Director of the #GlobalCommission http://t.co/IwVyufhp Full ...
From Twitter
What do you expect @theelders to say tonight? https://t.co/iPemNQYE #AsktheElders #JimmyCarter @YoungArabVoices @YosriFouda @Ontveg #Egypt
From Twitter
@TheElders anger\stress\addiction management & counselling\support education for men #itsnotok
From Twitter
RT @ESG_IEG Reading: "A free-thinking UN would spice up sustainable development's bland dish" @guardianeco http://t.co/xDzJHFNK #rioplus20
From Twitter
Interesting @OxfamGB paper on planetary social & planetary boundaries and life inside the doughnut http://t.co/xP312Bfc #rioplus20 #climate
From Twitter
BRICS bloc requests "full and unimpeded access to all needy Syrians" http://t.co/amTVuFxqsA #BRICS #syria
From Twitter
@TheElders Perhaps you know someone who has something2say about #LGBT prejudices? Video contest w/ $4,000 prizes http://t.co/oH8iVI2w
From Twitter
@TheElders For sustainable development we need tax breaks and subsidies for social entrepreneurs, like those the oil companies enjoy.
From Twitter
Hello Elders - what do you know about The Girl Effect? Similar efforts in the anti child marriage?
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From The Elders' Facebook page
"Most Israelis agree the #twostatesolution is the only path to peace. The Palestinian #UNbid could help to advance it." Martti Ahtisaari
From Twitter
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,...
From The Elders' Facebook page
Latest #Syria report: #Humanitarian agencies scale up vital assistance to people in need amid escalating violence http://t.co/O0ChYHLh
From Twitter
NYT, @TheElders is NOT Left-Leaning Human Rights Org. They Stop Wars. You Marginalized Carter's Israel Trip: http://t.co/GRHCqxdc @Semhar
From Twitter
Even in #WestBank #Palestinians favor #Hamas,& #US faces #diplomatic dilemma..#GCC #ASEAN #Egypt #Israel #peace http://t.co/GC2aGmGI
From Twitter 
From Twitter
Mr Carter, Do u think Egyptian elections will be fair after cancelling Judicial full supervision in 10 years by constitution? #Asktheelders
From Twitter
O que fazer para mudar? Um novo blog que promete surge aí! http://t.co/2bHrsdra
From Twitter
RT @joaoscarpelini: We need an #Ombudsperson in #Rio to advocate for sustainable development on behalf of future generations. #FutureWeWant #Rioplus20
From Twitter
RT @gatesfoundation: FACT: Women still make up 70 percent of the world’s poorest people. #WD2013 #womenandgirls
From Twitter 
From Twitter
Nine Ways Young People Can Get Involved in #Rioplus20 http://t.co/jNV72jqf @NatGeoGreen @humanimpacts #futurewewant
From Twitter
RT @CARE: Share your voice! Tell Congress we will not stand for sentencing girls to #childmarriage & a lifetime of #poverty.
http://t.co/34LIuqpv
From Twitter
No food=no future. Demand that Washington commits to sustainable farming at #EarthSummit, sign the petition! http://t.co/3a9VLMMP #Rioplus20
From Twitter
If you read one article today: Aid Groups Report New Level of Misery Among Displaced #Syrians http://t.co/ZP6yjPgO #Syria
From Twitter
Islamist #Morsi faces difficulties in handling the economy. Will the military return in #Egypt? #ArabSpring http://t.co/UwevGeQl
From Twitter 
Child marriage and US foreign policy
“This was a hidden issue, only two years ago.”
Mary Robinson discusses The Elders’ campaign to end child marriage as both a moral imperative in its own right, and as a global development and foreign policy priority, at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.
The Elders
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
Former President of Finland; Nobel Peace Laureate and expert in international peace mediation, diplomacy and post-conflict state building.
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.
Lakhdar Brahimi
Former Algerian freedom fighter, Foreign Minister, conflict mediator and UN diplomat; an expert in peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction.
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 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
Former President of the United States, Nobel Peace Laureate and veteran peace negotiator; dedicated to advancing peace, democracy and health worldwide.
Graça Machel
International advocate for women’s and children's rights; former freedom fighter and first Education Minister of Mozambique.
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
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’.