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.

“You face many challenges, as citizens and as civil society leaders of Sudan and South Sudan, but we have witnessed the yearning for peace and stability that exists in both countries.”

Reflecting on their efforts over the past six years to promote peace in Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders send a message of support to a major meeting of civil society from both countries.

In Ireland for their biannual meeting, the Elders met senior politicians to push for the EU-wide labelling of Israeli settlement goods; heard from young activists in Northern Ireland about their growing political disillusionment; and appointed a new Chair.

"Labelling Israeli settlement products would be a small step but a big political signal." Mary Robinson

Gro Harlem Brundtland and Mary Robinson talk to RTÉ Radio One's Richard Crowley about The Elders' call for Europe to play a stronger role in the Middle East peace process.

In a candid and wide-ranging interview with Martin Eiermann for The European, Martti Ahtisaari discusses Europe's role in the world, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the 'responsibility to protect', and why egalitarianism always leads to better societies.

After Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa conclude their two-day summit with a strong statement on the urgent need for humanitarian access in Syria, The Elders welcome their call, urging the five leaders to work with all parties to facilitate the work of humanitarian groups.

"This year’s BRICS summit is a chance for the world’s rising powers to demonstrate their commitment to the people of Syria at their time of greatest need.”

In an opinion piece published in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Martti Ahtisaari and Fernando Henrique Cardoso call on the leaders of the five 'BRICS' countries to push for unimpeded humanitarian access to Syria.

“People can change their attitudes. We have to help them do it.”

Speaking at an inquiry of the UK International Development Committee, Gro Harlem Brundtland discusses what parliamentarians and policy-makers can do to ensure development programming tackles gender-based violence.