“It took us 12 years to write a constitution. Don't underestimate what you have done.” Jimmy Carter
Last week, to conclude their two-day visit to Cairo, the Elders took part in a televised discussion with young Egyptians on the momentous events that have changed their country – and their hopes and expectations for what comes next.
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.
“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.
“People in our society should feel they are empowered with equal access to energy, healthcare and quality education.”
Marvin, from China, introduces himself and outlines the key issues as he sees them. He is one of the four ‘Youngers’, young leaders committed to putting sustainable development into practice, participating in the Elders and Youngers debate, in advance of the Rio+20 summit.
“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.
“I’m driven by the vision of a world where everybody’s grandgrandgrandgrandchildren can live in harmony with nature and with each other”
Sara, from Sweden, is an environmental campaigner participating as a Younger in the Elders and Youngers debate for practical paths of action, ahead of Rio+20. She introduces herself and explains why finding new solutions is important to her and to the rest of us.
During their second visit to the Middle East in October 2010, the Elders travelled to East Jerusalem to see first-hand the extent of settlement expansion into Arab neighbourhoods.
"This is not supposed to be OK. This is not how other people live." The Elders speak to people in Gaza via video link; visit the West Bank village of Bil'in, where a local protest movement against the separation wall is gaining momentum; and meet a Palestinian family in East Jerusalem evicted from their homes by Israeli authorities.
Desmond Tutu shares his words of encouragement for those fighting for what they believe to be right.
