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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

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
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
An alternative that could end poverty, war, pollution and most crime is a resource based economy. Google It.
Harald
Sweden
It is a beautiful and powerful stand for peace and prosperity, there is hope knowing that men and women such as the elders with years of experience and wisdom under their belt creating a movement.
kelly
greenville
what human is a human who does not make the world better ?
Almuntaser albalawi
Amman . jordan
‘Peace is the only battle worth waging.’ - Albert Camus. Protest with a smile at injustice and with calm determination. Ádh mór oraibh!
Robbi
Belfast, Ireland
Peace is possible, however can only be possible and attainable when those who wants peace make a true commitment that love will prevail, and respect for the rights of others is considered paramount.
Kaa Enoch
Abuja Nigeri
Many thanks to The Elders. Humanity must understand that we are all the same. Believing in the same God.
Cristina Rudäng
Stockholm
please, don't forget that aged people can revitalise the other. A MISSION.
ivo wolff gersberg
Rio de Janeiro - Brazil
The world is leveraging our global interdependence, love is the overwhelming force within our brave new world, dictators and war mongers will get tired and learn that they were love all along
Tony Maden
Midwest USA
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.
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
Thank you for working so hard for real peace in our global village. I hope for a time when more of us recognise our common humanity rather than the things that divide us. Love and light to all.
Chris
Adelaide Australia
Not what I'd like to say: Israel’s National Security Uzi Arad doesn't believe in non-military options w Iran. http://bit.ly/47vVMl
Blake Parker
Cambridge, MA USA
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.
Craig Davies Metteauer
Hawaii
Can we learn to live and let live, respect our differences and celebrate our similarities? We are all connected to each other and share this planet. I support the peaceful protesters.
Sharon Gordon
England
Dear all one heartily request to you all please don’t create any humour on Ayodhya Verdict thats only effect the general public only and please pass this msg as many as you can
praj
india
Please consider the world our grandchildren will share, and put aside today's political and economic pressures. Our grandchildren must live in the world we leave them. Our problems are irrelevant.
Rob Branch-Dasch
The Garden
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
All my hopes are with the young people of Gaza. That they will continue believing in their future as the world doesn't make it easy on them.
Wendy Oorthuis
The Netherlands
Militarizing development, research and science and maintaining an arms economy for geopolitical, corporate and private gain has clearly become an unsustainable concept.
Hans F. Schweinsberg
Toronto, Canada
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
Lutherans in the Holy Land and in the US are working tirelessly for peace for Israelis and Palestinians. This is a calling for all Christians to work energetically for peace and reconciliation.
Skip Cornett
Columbus, OH
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
Only when we achieve being aware of God even in our rivals, we can be aware of God at all. No one should talk about religious reasons while fighting against other beings! I pray for us all for awaking
Eva Bongartz
Germany
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.
Dennis Robinson
USA
Peace is personal, first of all. When we have peace in our hearts and within our families we can do more to create a peaceful world.
Eve Sullivan
USA
Peace takes so much more courage than war. Understanding takes so much more work than intolerance. Getting started is harder than doing something. Be brave enough to be different.
Kat
USA
Tolerance and respect are human virtues and peace is a human right. Thanks to the Elders and to my elders for their support and their values. Let us pass it to the younger generations.
Susana Castro
Lisboa, Portugal
Here in Virginia, I send my prayers of Love and Peace to ALL people in the Middle East and want you to know that you are not alone in your journey of Hope and Healing.
Roxie Hoven
Norfolk, Virginia, USA
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We must have the courage to defend our values

We're reading: 'Is Green The New Gold In Sustainable Olympics?' - Forbes http://t.co/jSpXKXrL via @sharethis #London2012 #sustainability
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Jordan: A Move to Censor Online Expression http://t.co/3UXMGP9q
hrw
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How To Film Protests: Video Tip Series for Activists http://t.co/AxtpEc7d @witnessorg
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RT @myworld2015: #Post2015 #MDGs: Children want louder voice in #MDG agenda http://t.co/hmJEgis2yy @AhmadAlhindawi
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Great read on #women as workers and consumers in the green economy, from Candice Stevens http://t.co/xbDMVlX8 #WomenRio #RioPlus20
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RT @think_or_swim: Mary Robinson urges young people to ‘get angry’ about global warming, using the Occupy model http://t.co/AdhEaF8K #mrfcj #climate
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Her husband was chosen when she was 2. Now she's 17 and fighting back http://t.co/axAeGZg4 #india #childmarriage #education
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#SyriaCrisis - @Refugees expects more than 1 million refugees each in Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon by the end of 2013: http://t.co/rWI8NdY2Fu
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Gun culture plagues South Sudan: http://t.co/cCe5y7bL
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News: Sudan (the): OCHA Sudan Weekly Humanitarian Bulletin 16 - 22 April 2012 http://t.co/M6dkyzW7
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#ICRC and #RedCrescent volunteers get green light to enter #BabaAmr. Media download video footage here http://t.co/okTeNwoY
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Of the world's 130 million out-of-school youth, 70% are girls. Oct 11 is the #DayoftheGirl - http://t.co/Dag92UHs
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Earth Summit Strives for Energy for All http://t.co/AaqxMm2r #rioplus20
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Youth as drivers of change in reproductive health http://t.co/iaNkCC2i via @bnltimes
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It's 20 days until #rioplus20. Learn how a green economy could create 60 million jobs and the #futurewewant: http://t.co/jBCsEFTg
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RT @Ethical_Oil: Environmental progress? Forget Rio, Come to Fort McMurray #ethicaloil #rioplus20 http://t.co/Q9Roijrj
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"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." --Desmond Tutu This weekend,... http://t.co/pScneytj
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Why #SudanRevolts is being ignored by global media. thought-provoking piece from @eldahshan #Sudan http://t.co/21kduchQ
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#Ag technology increases crop yields and reduces environmental footprint http://t.co/3di5Rknl From IFPRI side event at #RioPlus20
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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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Ban Ki-moon: We can no longer burn our way to prosperity, we would need five planets #futurewewant #rioplus20 #UN http://t.co/wDspzeHC
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South Sudan: worsening water shortages as refugee camps swell: http://t.co/9caSICaB
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On October 11th, we are celebrating #DayoftheGirl ! Find out why #DayoftheGirl was created http://t.co/Mf2kOqvz
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A #citizenjournalism project in South Sudan aims to report about the violence. http://t.co/jTNeT3yH
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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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What the #ArabSpring has done for #women’s equality, in one chart http://t.co/GHdCDlbN #Yemen #Egypt #gender #equality
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RT @CARE: Share your voice to let the world know that #childmarriage must come to an end: http://t.co/RZLuwKYh
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RT @oxfam: Can we live inside the doughnut? Why the world needs planetary & social boundaries http://t.co/kG67dtdJ #GROW #rioplus20
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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’.