“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
Since the majority wants peace (95%?), there is opportunity to explore potential for cultural unity: http://abc4all.net/culturalunitypotential.htm
“I, too, am an African,”
Africans are of blood and of soil, but also the spirit says Prof Dumas in his inaugural lecture at the UFS reminiscing about his life and experiences on the continent
Borders are for administrative purposes only. Each granule of sand is the property entrusted to humanity. Humane Society across the border shall break the barrier.
We are all part of the peace we wish for - One Earth, One Heart, infinite paths... Thank you for your efforts, your vision, your willingness to listen, share truth, create connections. Many Blessings!
The Elders’ visit casts a powerful moral clarity. Clearly, our destiny—Palestinians and Israelis—is to live together, as equals. Please call for boycotts, divestment, and sanctions now.
An alternative that could end poverty, war, pollution and most crime is a resource based economy. Google It.
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
Great initiative, hope that you will succeed! I work on the West Bank as project leader in an Israeli/Palestinian cooperative and I know this is what lots of people want!
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.
It is the individual person who is alive--you. Create government to run for ALL the people to smooth the way. Educate children at an early age not just civics but what gov. is by using a dictionary.
I support efforts to end the suffering in Israel and Palestine. I hope that you will be listened to.
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.
It is time we put aside our differences and reached out to our brothers and sisters in every Nation across the World and worked together for lasting peace.
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.
If the U.S.A. would begin a policy of Loving and Giving vs. Fighting and Taking, we will see Peace Globally to include the Middle East.
Reaching across human-made borders to our brothers & sisters in Peace. We are One.
Women are the key to building peace. Women's participation and representation is an integral part of any peace process. Women will bring constructive, creative and sustainable solutions to the table.
We all need global peace now. Global peace can be attained through only mutual love, understanding, inter religious harmony and spirit of co-existence. We all further must have to be united against those elements who are indulged in spreading the politics of hate. We all have to fight against all types of hate, discrimination and injustice in each part of the world in order to make our globe a beautiful place to live. Please come forward to fight for peace and human rights for all.
you can join me at www.facebook.com/saeedfalahi
Overwhelmingly, the people of the Middle East want lives of peace and justice. The framework for resolution of differences is increasingly clear, and it is to be hoped that political leaders will take full advantage of this opportunity.
Hungry, wounded and dispossessed children will not grow with peaceful ideas on their minds. PEACE needs to be understood by children as a source of security, love and nutrition.
I cannot express it any better than Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh: "Peace is not simply the absence of violence; it is the cultivation of understanding, insight and compassion combined with action."
The entire country' ,from the sea to the river,should be open to both Israelis and Palestinians, enjoying equal rights and rejecting any discrimination. This political entity should be a Condominium,
Young children should grow in with dreams and hopes, not hate and fear. Your efforts can only create a sense of urgency for this next generation. Bring the mothers together to create a healthy dialog
Keep up the great work, all.
If you were the parent of all mankind, how would you teach your children respect and loyalty?
I have researched concentration camp systems (from 1933) using own funds. Millions being spent on Holocaust studies each year need to also consider contemporary situation in Palestine, and humanity.
Peace can be attain if you & I can live beyond the selfish intention of our nature without skin colour, religion or class segregation not control by desire for world power and protect the environment
If the majority of people want peace, then it follows that, just as is being done by A Better Community For All, there is potential to explore cultural unity no matter what the conflict.
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!
Thank you to everyone who is working and praying for peace and justice, and especially to the Elders.
Have a question? Visit our new FAQ page
The Elders on Twitter
“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
We can advance #humanrights & democracy only through the local, often heroic efforts of individuals - Jimmy Carter http://t.co/A5MpodiNjR
"This was a hidden issue, only two years ago." Mary Robinson says the campaign to #endchildmarriage is making headway http://t.co/XcUs714PQ7
#FGM and #childmarriage share a common root: the ingrained idea that women & girls are somehow inferior. Blog: http://t.co/njEIv1lA
From Twitter 
From Twitter
"A vote in favour of the #Palestinian UN resolution brings us closer to peace & security for Palestinians AND Israelis." Gro H Brundtland
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
@TheElders Please help us with our Human Rights Documentary and donate or share! Thx a lot! http://t.co/DHhM1HnI
From Twitter
Via The Elders
A girl under age who resisted to be forced into marriage filed a complaint against her family on the grounds of sexual abuse:...
From The Elders' Facebook page
"The Impossible Hamster" - why things in nature only grow until a certain size. http://t.co/vLCj24GG #Sustainability #SD #RioPlus20
RT @stephenfry: Please RT: UNITE FOR SYRIA: STOP ONE YEAR OF BLOODSHED http://t.co/0itB2aPF #SyriaMarch15
From Twitter
RT @UN: See vital stats & details of efforts to make biggest-ever UN conference #Rioplus20 sustainable: http://t.co/7WyssCBq #futurewewant
From Twitter
RT @Jen_the_Intern: Spread the word. Join the challenge. The UN Higher Education Sustainability Initiative @ #Rioplus20 http://t.co/K1Qc2MuC #EplusY
From Twitter
.@SenatorDurbin & @SenatorSnowe bill to eliminate #childmarriage passed the Foreign Relations Committee yesterday!
http://t.co/pTRYqLjJ
From Twitter
Do you have an idea you think would revolutionise African journalism?
The new $1-million African News Innovation Challenge (ANIC) is looking to fund investigative & data journalism, civic media...
From The Elders' Facebook page
The G(irls)20 Summit will take place in Mexico in May. Apply to represent your country. Visit www.girls20summit.com. DEADLINE is Monday, Jan 16th at MIDNIGHT...
From The Elders' Facebook page
#Rioplus20: What can we expect from Cameron, Johnson, and SBY? http://t.co/ZK3k5Wew
From Twitter
@TheElders For sustainable development we need tax breaks and subsidies for social entrepreneurs, like those the oil companies enjoy.
From Twitter
New role of SocialMedias: When armies become media: Israel live-blogs and tweets an attack on Hamas #MiddleEast #Peace http://t.co/K8XY07dU
From Twitter
Remembering Martin Luther King: He was assassinated the next day after he made this famous speech: http://www.youtube.com/wa…
From The Elders' Facebook page
What is #Trigeneration http://t.co/bbvBfLRs #cogeneration #environment #sustainabledevelopment #adsorptionchiller
From Twitter
RT @awid: In Spite Of The Many Ongoing Challenges There Is Hope For Women In South Sudan http://t.co/N1mJUeuS
From Twitter
#UN launches Sustainable Development Solutions Network to lead post-2015 development agenda http://t.co/bs8eiD97 #SDSN #RioPlus20
From Twitter
#Burma: Government Forces Targeting Rohingya Muslims http://t.co/R0PaUC78
From Twitter
RT @State_IO: #SecClinton: We look to govt of #SriLanka to implement recommendations of the LLRC & take necessary measures to address accountability.
From Twitter
Rio 1992 connected the environment and development. Rio+20 looks like splitting them up @oxfamgb #rioplus20
From Twitter
South Sudan: worsening water shortages as refugee camps swell: http://t.co/9caSICaB
From Twitter
@TheElders My partner was filming in the Pitjatjanjarra Lands & he learnt that resourcing the Elders is crucial to empowering WISE #youth.
From Twitter
From Twitter
#SouthSudan: Refugees at risk in Maban county. MSF calling for other agencies to increase their support http://t.co/vlNWZykL
From Twitter
Great #post2015 blog on accountability, hot off the press from Bali, by @CIVICUSalliance's @amymillertaylor: http://t.co/5r6EYajbdZ
From Twitter 
From Twitter 
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’.