Final report – August 2012

In the spring of 2012, The Elders and four young activists began an inter-generational debate about the change needed to secure a sustainable future for our planet, in the run-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). This report discusses the thinking behind the initiative, what it was able to achieve and the momentum it generated to further promote sustainable development.

As world leaders gather in Brazil for Rio+20, the Elders and Youngers answer your questions on sustainable development, the world we want and how we can achieve it.

Watch the Q&A videos of Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Mary Robinson and Gro Harlem Brundtland with the Youngers.

“We have the largest generation of young persons in the history of mankind; things are changing.”

Esther Agbarakwe, a young activist participating in the Elders+Youngers debate speaks about her experience getting involved in the initiative in this interview with Network Africa, BBC World Service.

“I share the frustration of millions, outraged at the indifference world leaders are demonstrating towards some of the toughest and most urgent challenges we face today.”

Writing in the Huffington Post, Desmond Tutu voices his exasperation with our current leaders and looks to the next generation for the bold action needed to safeguard the future of our planet.

"We have not yet seen the necessary courage or political will to turn good intentions into effective, collective action."

In an opinion piece published in newspapers around the world, Gro Brundtland and Fernando H Cardoso outline the key steps that must be taken to guarantee Rio+20's success and lasting impact on sustainable development.