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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

Last time you came and preached to the choir. We in the peace camp love you all, but you must engage with the opponents of peace on both sides, settlers and jihadists.
Aharon Eviatar
Israel
The Elders is a small step for humanity to follow, and to understand that by peace only we can all live together happily ever after.
Abdullah Al Fadhli
aden, yemen
Let us hope that you can inspire the people of Palestine and the people of Israel to rise up and demand peace despite all the obstacles and rhetoric that the politicians rely on to get elected
Robert Kent
California
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
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
Fran Ricardo
USA
Many thanks to The Elders. Humanity must understand that we are all the same. Believing in the same God.
Cristina Rudäng
Stockholm
Let peace live in every home and heart.
Taofeek Ayanwale Adeola
Lagos, Nigeria.
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
Because of greed of mankind,unless humanitarian people who are resourceful and the masses take bold action the Concept of Sustainable Development will not come to fruition.
George Darlington Hashaka
Kampala,Uganda
Thanks for being open and sharing what you are doing. It means a lot to global citizens to see leaders taking a public stand and involving us in their work.
Jason Mogus
Vancouver, BC
There is only one way ahead for our world and it is through peace among all nations, love between all human beings - and for all other beings - and a true commitment by everyone to live accordingly.
Jean Hudon
Quebec, Canada
I know peace will come - and it will be brought about by mums and dads who are brave enough to create a new future for their children by letting go of the past. I applaud you and send my love.
Veronica Arnold
Australia
We are all on the same planet, same species all the divisions are man made. There are no invisible lines in the sand. Live now, not in the past, foundations for a future of harmony, peace, love.
Michelle Goff
London, UK
Sharing will bring justice. Justice will bring peace. Sharing will save Israel and Palestine. Sharing will save the world.
Marco Agelink
The Netherlands
Keep up the great work, all.
Pat Farr
UK
We obtained peace in Northern Ireland through dialogue. I pray that one day a lasting and sustainable solution can be obtained in the Middle East through similar, peaceful dialogue.
Peggy Sheridan
Belfast
The U.S. should not wait two years. It should recognize Palestine de facto NOW.
Morton Nadler
Blacksburg VA USA
As an American Jew I opposed the right of the Apartheid regime in South Africa to exist, just as I oppose the right of the Apartheid regime in Israel to exist. Racism has no right to exist.
Mark E. Smith
San Diego USA
Peaceful relationships recognize we are all one. When we harm others, we harm ourselves. There is no higher truth. Thank you all for your service to humanity.
Barbara
Saint Augustine Florida
Thank you to The Elders for getting out the truth about the oppression of the Palestinians and working for a peaceful resolution. For too many decades, the Western world hasn't paid attention.
Debbie Montesano
Chandler, AZ
I was honoured to participate in the lunch yesterday and inspired by the message of hope and encouragement you bring. May G-d bless you and all of us with success in the mission of peace-making.
Rabbi Yehiel Grenimann
Jerusalem
Thank you all so very much. With your wisdom, experience and guidance, may the peace process move forward.
Fiona Bateson
British Columbia, Canada
The best way to end war is to make it a less profitable business. This is (besides getting rid of religion) the most crucial point - where our beloved governments constantly and willingly fail.
Martin Hoffmann
Paraguay
The Children of Israel and the World are our future. Peace evolves from within and the idea of continuing War will be out of reach. Our kids prefer Love, Peace, and Joy!!
Susan
Canada
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.
Feroze Mithiborwala
Mumbai, India
The world must look to the youth of, not just Gaza, but everywhere to make a difference. We owe youth so much more than terrorism. They are our future.
Carolyn McKay
New Zealand.
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.
Ela Bhatt
India
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
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
We are all members of one large diverse family called Humanity, and by putting your brother's needs before your own you will assure justice and peace in the middle east.
Angela Gelston
UK
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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"

How “Sustainability” Became “Sustained Growth” - http://t.co/DgQED205 #RioPlus20 'stuffed with meaningless platitudes' @GeorgeMonbiot
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Sike Bille
From The Elders' Facebook page
Great new petition on @avaaz. Call on #BRICS to show solidarity for #SyriaCrisis at Summit. Sign up here: http://t.co/cd3Ho6vE5N
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Video: Kofi Annan travels to Côte d’Ivoire to support ongoing reconciliation process | Kofi Annan Fo http://t.co/MX789woF
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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
"A vote in favour of the #Palestinian UN resolution brings us closer to peace & security for Palestinians AND Israelis." Gro H Brundtland
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RT @haaretzonline: Never mind the #WestBank settlements, it's the absurdity, writes Amira Hass http://t.co/RyB0eOnc
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#Rioplus20 and ocean commitments, what’s next? http://t.co/4jz2NKCe
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Preventing #childmarriage in Bangladesh - story podcast. http://t.co/4qTU8Vtm
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Public-Private Collaboration for #InclusiveGrowth & #Susdev: A Bright Spot at #RioPlus20 http://t.co/m1nkd7y7 via @nextbillion
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Mark Holtzman
From The Elders' Facebook page
The Lede Blog: Crowdfunding Citizen Journalism in Cairo http://t.co/Jjj3Cwo4 #Egypt #Arabspring
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From The Elders' Facebook page
RT @UN_ClimateTalks: News [Xinhua]: Interview: Three tasks await climate negotiators on road to Doha summit: UN official http://t.co/zLJJmKcP
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The Settlement Project Is Now Self-Sustaining http://t.co/m0AIcn9q via @thedailybeast #population #demography #westbank
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Youth as drivers of change in reproductive health http://t.co/iaNkCC2i via @bnltimes
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MT @SPEAKhr On Mar 5, Chagossians will need 25000 signatures in 30 days to get the attention of White House. Can we get @TheElders support?
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With #ObamaInIsrael, our analyst notes lack of concrete steps to improve daily life in #Palestine http://t.co/9Yim0pypTJ
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We must have the courage to defend our values

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’.