Fernando Henrique Cardoso offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Elders’ meeting in Rio de Janeiro in October 2011. The Elders meet twice a year to discuss their initiatives to promote peace and human rights. With fellow Elders Desmond Tutu, Mary Robinson, Jimmy Carter and Martti Ahtisaari, President Cardoso talks about the Elders’ recent work on child marriage, the Middle East peace process and the Korean Peninsula.
Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel talk about the founding of The Elders describe what they hope the group will achieve.
President Carter shares his hopes that the Elders will find success through good judgment, dedication and courage.
The Elders' Chair Desmond Tutu reads a letter from fellow Elder Ela Bhatt at The Elders' founding event in Johannesburg, South Africa on 18 July 2007.
Muhammad Yunus says the Elders, as trusted leaders, can provide guidance in a fast-changing world, by reflecting the feelings of the world and looking for ways to make practical changes, whether big or small.
The Elders Chair, Archbishop Desmond Tutu describes the new organisation as global Elders for the global village - a group that understands the essential interdependence of all human beings.
Graça Machel says The Elders will try to ensure that the voices of those working at community level around the world are heard. "My dream is for us as Elders to get people together, acknowledging our differences, but more importantly, acknowledging the common bonds that tie us and ensuring that people everywhere are able to live the healthy productive lives they deserve."
Elder Mary Robinson speaks at The Elders' founding event in Johannesburg, South Africa on 18 July 2007.
Kofi Annan speaks of injustice, poverty and brutality and the failure of leaders who stand by. He hopes that this group will be able to help enemies make peace, and help address the causes of human suffering. He also calls on all of us to ask: what can I do?
On his 89th birthday, Nelson Mandela announced the formation of The Elders: a small dedicated group of leaders who will work objectively, free from any vested personal interest, to help address global challenges.
