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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

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.
Gerardus Smeets
Germany
The only way to consider a real future is through peace. Only when people relate to each other through respect and admiration will we know peace.
Nick Petten
Ontario, Canada
It has been said that until the children of the Middle East sleep soundly in their beds, neither will children around the world. Please join us in this historic opportunity for peace.
Jeff Skoll
USA
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,
Ervin Y. Kedar (prof. Ph.D.)
Israel/Palestine
" an enemy is actually a friend waiting to be made. " and another quote; "try to walk in your neighbour shoes". or look to the man in the mirror. it starts with me. and you!
Isabel van Oorschot
Tilburg, The Netherlands
If you were the parent of all mankind, how would you teach your children respect and loyalty?
John Bickell
London, UK
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
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
Peace can be achieved if the Palestinian and the Israelis agreed to live together as equal.All i want for my people n Gaza is to live with dignity and to be free of all the restrictions around them.
Mary Hreish
U.S.A
We are all on the same planet, same species all the divisions are man made. The invisible 'lines in the sand' are illusions there are no STATES, Mine it's a choice. Look forward make peace.
Michelle Goff
London, UK
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
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
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.
Janie Cook
USA
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
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
each journey begins with one foot in front of the other and an hand offered in peace.
deb
alberta canada
Peace is build, over time and skillful hands of all of us. Palestinians and Israelis have the concrete it takes to piece together peace blocks in the middle the East the World need to support this.
Agnes Kabajuni
Uganda
I am writing to appreciate your work across the globe. I am a big fan from India and also a follower on twitter. Please accept my compliments and do share your thoughts/plans (if any) around India.
Kavita Adhikari
Bangalore, India
Prayers and work for peace in our household don't stop after 30 years. We will not give up.
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
Dear Elders.... I am writing from Jerusalem, en route to Gaza. Our project Gaza 24/24 speaks directly to your concerns. It is my hope to collaborate. Sincerely, Maurice Jacobsen
Maurice Jacobsen
Jerusalem/Gaza
I have was active and supported PEACE NOW since the begining in 1979 and Beleive that as things get worse - Solutions are more urgent
Samuel Cohen
Israel - Jaffa
I did not know Elders exist. Now I feel there is hope for so many people like Hanar Shaat who think one better world is possible. Thks Elders. All together WE CAN.
MARTA FONT
Barcelona
May wisdom in the form of humanity excel over capitalism among those with influence.
Rob Kingston
Rayleigh, United Kingdom
Let peace live in every home and heart.
Taofeek Ayanwale Adeola
Lagos, Nigeria.
Gratitude to the Elders and to all who are working for peace and justice. Thank you.
Beth Edmonds
San Jose, CA
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
Richard Lawson
Somerset, UK
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.
Burton Danet, Ph.D.
Manhattan Beach CA USA
The "How" is the game of life.
Chandrashekar Tamirisa
Rockville, Maryland
'Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless', said Mother Teresa. May your and my words be like that, so peace, love and respect will be embraced by all hearts!
Alie Vos
Borger, the Netherlands
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We must have the courage to defend our values

#Rioplus20 and ocean commitments, what’s next? http://t.co/4jz2NKCe
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Which has the potential for greater impact, #RIOplus20 or #GSIF2012 ? http://t.co/gZstRCkS
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@TheElders #EplusY...leaders who fail to listen to the voice of their people, as seen in recent times, do so at their own peril....
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Helping girls at risk of #childmarriage through education & football http://t.co/dtMdUQJe Fascinating talk by @LucyMathen & @SamiraAhmedUK
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After listening to women, we need both top-down and bottom-up approaches to development -Mary Robinson of @TheElders at #Rioplus20 #riowomen
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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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#FGM and #childmarriage share a common root: the ingrained idea that women & girls are somehow inferior. Blog: http://t.co/njEIv1lA
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From The Elders' Facebook page
Youth as drivers of change in reproductive health http://t.co/iaNkCC2i via @bnltimes
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Remember the dignity of your womanhood. Do not appeal, do not beg, do not grovel. Take courage, join hands, stand beside us, fight with us. ~Christabel Pankhust...
Friends of Maiti Nepal
From The Elders' Facebook page
RT @womenforwomenUK: Want to help women affected by war rebuild their lives? Text JMOB12 £5 to 70070 to donate £5 to @womenforwomenUK #Bridge12 #IWD
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Help us spread the word and sign our petition on Change.org to tell the G20 Nation Leaders they should THINK LIKE A GIRL - like the Girls20Summit Delegates!...
Go Girl Global
From The Elders' Facebook page
@TheElders close all offshore havens #WEF #Davos
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Egypt’s president faces balancing act http://t.co/N7D2JlQp
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@TheElders listen 2 ideas of youth. they see solutions where others see problems! #RioPlus20
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RT @washingtonpost: Post poll: Most Americans think environment has deteriorated over past decade, humans are making it worse http://t.co/89F17CUN
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#Syria's other struggle: balancing #sharia and justice. "The #Islamist system is obsolete" vs. "the righteous path" http://t.co/LvZCj2z8
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Rio+Social, un tentativo di allargare il dibattito sulla sostenibilità a #Rioplus20 http://t.co/sPDmgGPb via @rivistavps #socialgood
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Jerusalem - the heart of the Palestinian struggle: http://t.co/dk1yZWr8 #GMJ
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@TheElders Engaging in dialogue with the general public that comprehensively discusses gender both male and female perspectives.
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Share your views: What does Rio+20 need to deliver to create a sustainable world? http://t.co/mlDd1kMp #rioplus20 #futurewewant
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Great article from @thedailybeast on what @hrw calls the "appalling" conditions of #Palestinians in Lebanon: http://t.co/lW5BVdXX #Syria
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At #RioPlus20, world leaders shared how social media can highlight development and humanitarian emergencies: http://t.co/OV16DLxN
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More meaningful involvement of big business in #OGP! Important sidenote by @integrilicious in #RioPlus20 post http://t.co/gs78MJoU #opengov
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Analysis: North Korea nuclear-test drama rehashes old script http://t.co/M8Rcl6gF #northkorea
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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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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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Is there a role for #business in the post-2015 #MDGs world? What could it be? http://t.co/7h4lbaLV #Rioplus20 #entrepreneurs
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Encouraging! RT: @amnesty Myanmar: Political prisoner release major step but gates must open even wider http://t.co/77rGadtg #myanmar #burma
"Delaying the #Palestinian UN vote would only reinforce the status quo - a disaster for Israelis and Palestinians alike" Mary Robinson
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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’.