"The promotion of sustainable development is perhaps the clearest contemporary manifestation of the human quest for freedom and dignity. And it all comes down to hard work and dedication."
After joining the Elders+Youngers intergenerational dialogue this summer to debate the issues surrounding the Rio+20 summit on sustainable development, Pedro Telles reflects on what he learned.
"Like no other generation before, we can choose the type of future that we will leave to the next generation. A transition to a safe and prosperous future is possible, but will require the full use of humanity’s extraordinary capacity for innovation and creativity... Tinkering at the edges will not do the job."
Gro Harlem Brundtland writes in the International Herald Tribune as world leaders gather for the Rio+20 summit on sustainable development.
Today’s leaders must make binding decisions for the long term
Looking ahead to Rio +20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development taking place in Brazil this June, the Elders say that 'business as usual' is no longer acceptable and urge world leaders to deliver on their commitment to a more equitable, sustainable world.
As the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability releases its report, The Elders urge political, business and civil society leaders around the world to take bold actions to build a more equitable and sustainable world for us all.
"The fact that the Durban Platform deal has a target of 2015 is, at last, recognition of the urgency of the issue facing us."
Mary Robinson expresses her relief at the outcome of the Durban Climate Change Conference, and calls for ambition to move the world towards more sustainable and inclusive growth.
Kofi Annan writes in Uganda's Daily Monitor that African farmers are already suffering the effects of climate change. He argues that the Green Climate Fund to be launched at the Durban climate conference could be crucial for investing in "a uniquely African Green Revolution."
"The poor countries most vulnerable to the floods, droughts, storms and other extreme weather associated with climate change need help now."
With the eurozone crisis dominating the global agenda, Mary Robinson argues in the Guardian that G20 leaders should ensure their response to the economic storm addresses the coming climate crisis.
In an interview with Aide Edemariam from The Guardian, Mary Robinson describes her life and work - as a child growing up in County Mayo, Ireland; as a young senator and later first female President of Ireland; as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; and as a member of The Elders and the founder of a new organisation campaigning for climate justice.
Writing in the South China Morning Post and the New Straits Times, Desmond Tutu and Mary Robinson warn that the world can’t afford any more political procrastination on climate change.
