“One of the most incredible sources of energy for me is when I am with young people – sorry oldies!” Desmond Tutu
In May 2012 four 'Youngers' – climate change activists from Nigeria, Brazil, Sweden and China – joined the Elders at their bi-annual meeting in Oslo to discuss the upcoming Rio+20 summit on sustainable development, the role of the UN, and how to mobilise civil society, especially young people, around urgent global issues.
What will a cleaner tomorrow look like? How do you empower young people? How can countries with different ideologies and cultures reach a consensus over our environment and development?
Desmond Tutu, Mary Robinson, and Gro Brundtland debated these questions with young activists Esther and Marvin at a public event in Oslo, with questions from a live online audience. Watch the video and join the discussion.
Good jobs? Clean air? Food security? In June 2012, world leaders are coming together in Rio. Their actions – or inactions – will shape this planet for generations to come. What do you want that world to look like? Join the debate with Elders+Youngers.
"An inclusive reconciliation process could transform the climate in Côte d’Ivoire, for the best and forever – I cannot stress this enough."Desmond Tutu
A year on from their visit, the Elders remark on the progress made in Côte d'Ivoire by President Ouattara since he was sworn in office and urge further steps towards reconciliation.
Only dialogue can avoid another humanitarian catastrophe
Following recent clashes along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders have warned of a potential humanitarian crisis and called on the two leaders to return to dialogue.
“Economies are stalling. Ecosystems are under siege. Inequality – within and between countries – is soaring. I will make the point I always make: these afflictions are clearly rooted in political short-sightedness, where narrow interests triumph over common interests, common responsibilities – and common sense.”
Gro Brundtland begins the Elders+Youngers dialogue with a message to the 'Youngers'.
“For me sustainable development is much more than caring for the environment. It’s also much more than making money from our natural resources and from our economic growth. It’s an intersection between the economics, the social, and the environment.”
Esther, from Nigeria, is one of four Youngers taking part in the Elders and Youngers, in the run up to the Rio+20 summit. In this video she gives an outline of her work and the future she wants to create.
“I dedicate my life to help build a world where everyone can be free to self-determine how they want to live their lives”
Pedro, a socio-environmental activist from Brazil, is one of the four ‘Youngers’, taking part in the Elders and Youngers debate, leading up to the Rio+20 summit. He talks about his work with the Vitae Civilis Institute and explains the important role that promoting change has to play.
