Kofi Annan writes to African heads of state to express The Elders’ support for peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, encouraging leaders to work closely with UN Special Envoy Mary Robinson.

"The peace process established in Oslo has not just stalled; it is going backwards fast."

A vote for the Palestinian statehood resolution at the UN General Assembly will help safeguard the two-state solution, write Gro Harlem Brundtland and Jimmy Carter in the International Herald Tribune.

“This new outbreak of violence is heartbreaking – and all too familiar." Desmond Tutu

As violence escalates in Gaza and Israel, the Elders call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, and for the international community to renew efforts to resolve the decades-long conflict.

“I do this because I feel I have a responsibility to use the experience I have. All conflicts can be solved.” Martti Ahtisaari

From behind-the-scenes advocacy to occasional "blasts of indignation", Sophie Grove, writing for Monocle, examines what makes the Elders effective after observing them at work during their trip to South Sudan in July 2012.

Summary report – October 2012

With ongoing conflicts in Blue Nile and South Kordofan and worsening relations between Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders made a series of visits in 2012 to both nations, to highlight the growing humanitarian crisis and encourage further peace talks between the two leaders. This summary report provides a brief analysis of the visits and the impact of The Elders’ renewed engagement in the region.