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The climate and human cost of intensive farming

This month, the IPCC released a new report highlighting the serious choices that will need to be made about how humans interact with the land systems that provide our societies with the food and water we need to survive.

Climate Change, UHC

Femicide is a crime against all humanity

Ricardo Lagos laments the normalisation of violence against women and girls in Latin America and calls for leadership and investment to end this shameful reality. First published in El Pais in English and Spanish.

Access to Justice

Dialogue must be routine, not reward, in the fight against conflict

As the new chair of the UN Security Council takes the seat, The Elders’ Head of Programmes, Jane Kinninmont, reflects on the need for states to institutionalise dialogue to avoid conflict.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

#JusticeForAll: Elders' call for greater commitments

More than 5 billion people do not have meaningful access to justice. This should shame us all. The Elders are calling on all leaders to make more ambitious commitments to achieve Justice For All at the High Level Political Forum in New York.

Access to Justice

The Elders warn of escalating nuclear tensions following termination of INF Treaty

The Elders' statement on the imminent termination of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty between the United States and Russia.

Ethical Leadership

Delivering justice for all in South Africa: the power of paralegals

Dr Winnie Martins of the Centre for Community Justice and Development highlights the crucial role played by community paralegals in responding to day-to-day justice problems.

Access to Justice

A moment to demand real ambition from leaders to achieve the SDGs

Mary Robinson addressed the opening of the ministerial segment of the High Level Political Forum at the UN in New York

Access to Justice, Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

The indispensable need for international cooperation in combating climate change

One of the main topics of discussion at the G20 summit, where 20 countries and territories gathered in Osaka, on the 28th and 29th of June, was that of the environment and energy. Ernesto Zedillo expressed his hopes for Japan's transition.

The Elders discuss multilateralism and conflict prevention at the Council on Foreign Relations

Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf joined Council of Foreign Relations President Richard Haass in New York to discuss the vital role of a well-functioning multilateral system.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders call for end to Gulf brinkmanship, urge Iran to continue to abide by JCPOA

The Elders call on all states to refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could further inflame tensions in the Gulf region and the wider Middle East.

To prevent conflict, states must deliver access to justice

Noting the transformative role played by access to justice in securing peaceful, stable and legitimate states, Mary Robinson calls for innovation, increased financing & improved collaboration to build inclusive, people-centred justice systems.

Access to Justice

The Elders' statement on UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia

The Elders welcome today’s ruling that UK arms sales to Saudi Arabia for use in Yemen have been unlawful. The UK must now stop supplying arms that can be used in violation of international humanitarian law.

Fossil fuel and finance CEOs take first steps to climate action at Vatican summit

On 13-14 June, Mary Robinson joined the second Vatican Energy Transition Dialogue convened by Pope Francis to demand bold and urgent climate action from leaders of the world’s fossil fuel and investment companies.

Together #WithRefugees: Elders visit Gambela, Ethiopia

Earlier this year, The Elders travelled to the west of Ethiopia to meet and express solidarity with refugees. To mark World Refugee Day, we look at some of the challenges faced by those living in Nguenyyiel, the biggest camp in Gambela.

Refugees & Migration

The UNSC must be bold and assert its collective voice

Addressing a UN Security Council session on the maintenance of international peace and security, Ban Ki-moon urges Council Members to cooperate and speak with a strong common voice for UNSC decisions to have a decisive impact.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The UNSC must work together to deliver its mandate

Addressing a UN Security Council session on conflict prevention and mediation, Mary Robinson implores Council Members to work together to deliver on its commitments outlined in the UN Charter.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Industry must commit to halt all future fossil fuel extraction

Mary Robinson attended a meeting convened by Pope Francis in the Vatican on 13-14 June on “The Energy Transition and Care for our Common Home”, attended by CEOs of leading oil and gas companies, and financial investment funds.

Securing a just transition to a low carbon economy

Ernesto Zedillo spoke at the F20 Forum in Tokyo on the transition to a low carbon economy.

Annual Review 2018: Never too young to lead, never too old to learn

The Elders 2018 Annual Review is now available to download. Find out more about our activities, achievements and challenges from the past year.

Access to Justice, Climate Change, Conflict, Ethical Leadership, Refugees & Migration, UHC

Empowered women create empowered societies

Pioneering human rights lawyer and Elder Hina Jilani delivers strong words on women's empowerment at the 2019 Women Deliver Global Conference in Vancouver, Canada.

The Elders call on Egypt’s al-Sisi to uphold AU commitments on Sudan transition

The Elders call on Egypt’s al-Sisi to uphold AU commitments on Sudan transition

Mary Robinson: honour Kofi Annan's legacy by countering today's rising isolationism

Mary Robinson reflects on the life of Kofi Annan, the values that were the driving force behind his sucesses and the legacy that must be defended in the face of rising populism and isolationism.

The Elders’ visit to Ethiopia: refugees, health and democracy

In May 2019, The Elders visited Ethiopia for their biannual board meeting. This allowed for the opportunity to hold talks with Ethiopia's leadership, listen to refugees in the western Gambela region and promote the importance of primary health care.

Refugees & Migration, UHC

Putting gender inclusion at the centre of open government

Delivering the closing keynote on gender and inclusion, Mary Robinson calls on women to get involved in political struggles and show solidarity with each other to secure justice and open up the halls of government for our children and grandchildren.

Access to Justice

Livestream: 'Our Shared Humanity': The Legacy of Kofi Annan

On 3-4 June 2019, Chatham House and UNA-UK are hosting a conference exploring Kofi Annan’s legacy for the future of global governance.

Ethical Leadership

Political reforms, refugees and health form main focus of Elders’ board meeting in Ethiopia

The Elders held their biannual board meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 19-22 May 2019.

Refugees & Migration, UHC

The Elders welcome Ethiopia’s political reforms and urge full respect for rule of law

The Elders welcomed the wide-ranging reforms in Ethiopia introduced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and called on all leaders in the country to uphold the rule of law, foster a sense of national unity and defend the rights of refugees and displaced people.

Ethical Leadership, Refugees & Migration, UHC

The Elders reaffirm support for Colombia’s peace process

The Elders today reaffirmed their support for the historic peace deal between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and urged President Ivan Duque to continue to work for its full implementation.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome Ethiopia’s commitment to primary health care and digital innovation

During their biannual board meeting being held in Addis Ababa, The Elders met Ethiopia’s State Minister of Health, Dr. Lia Tadesse, to learn more about the country’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.

To achieve the SDGs, leaders must deliver Access to Justice For All

Ahead of the High Level Political Forum in July, where countries will report on their progress on SDG 16, The Elders launch a call on leaders to show greater commitment to providing access to justice.

Access to Justice

Media Advisory: The Elders to visit Ethiopia from 19-22 May

The Elders will visit Ethiopia from 19-22 May for a series of meetings with senior political leaders and representatives of the African Union to discuss regional political developments and security issues.

Deon Shekuza a Youth Agent for Sustainable Development

Last month, Namibian youth advocate Deon Shekuza and Mary Robinson held an intergenerational dialogue on climate justice, on the sidelines of the Climate and Sustainable Development High-Level Meeting in New York. In this interview for TheElders.org, Deon

Investing in a green economy

Addressing investors at an EQT event, Gro Harlem Brundtland challenges the financial sector to think and act sustainably.

Ethical Leadership

Ban Ki-moon: The UK must commit to go carbon neutral by 2050

The Elders welcome the recommendations of the UK’s Climate Change Committee. Committing the UK to become carbon neutral by 2050 will send a clear message to other G20 nations and beyond that the UK truly is a leader on climate action.

Civil society is underappreciated as a partner in delivering justice goals

Speaking at the World Justice Forum, Hina Jilani champions civil society actors as filling the gaps in providing access to justice. But warns they need financial support, and recognition from the legal system.

Access to Justice

Time to close the shaming justice gap

As a new report launched at the World Justice Forum today reveals more than five billion people worldwide lack meaningful access to justice, Mary Robinson reflects on the saddeningly slow progress made to close the justice gap.

Access to Justice

The Importance of Women in Africa’s Transition to a Low- Carbon Economy

At the Mo Ibrahim Governance weekend, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, The Elders and The B Team co-convened a roundtable to discuss challenges and solutions for improving the role of women in the Africa’s transition to a green economy.

The Elders in China

Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon, Lakhdar Brahimi, Ricardo Lagos and Ernesto Zedillo met with President Xi and other leaders on The Elders first official trip to China.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge peaceful transition to civilian rule in Sudan

The Elders today called upon Sudan’s interim military rulers to respect the wishes of the Sudanese people and commit publicly to a swift transition to civilian rule.

Ethical Leadership

Europe must take a stand in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Writing in the Financial Times, Gro Harlem Brundtland calls on European leaders to reassert their commitment to a two-state solution as the only way to deliver peace, justice and human rights to Israelis and Palestinians.

Fossil fuel extraction is a waste of resources in every sense

Mary Robinson speaks frankly at the Berlin Energy Transition dialogue on the role Germany must play in a just transition out of coal for good.

The Elders welcome China’s commitment to multilateralism and dialogue on rights and development, following meeting with President Xi Jinping

Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon, Lakhdar Brahimi, Ricardo Lagos and Ernesto Zedillo were in Beijing to meet with the President of China, His Excellency Xi Jinping and other senior leaders.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders 将前往北京与中国领导层进行高层会谈

The Elders 将于4月1日至3日出访中国与主要政治领导人进行会面，探讨气候变化、核裁军、地区安全、极端主义等全球性挑战。

Ethical Leadership

Media Advisory: The Elders to visit Beijing for top-level discussions with Chinese leadership

The Elders will visit China from 1-3 April to meet with key political leaders and discuss global challenges from climate change and nuclear disarmament to regional security and extremism.

Ethical Leadership

Safeguarding future generations: how Wales is leading the way on climate justice

As Elders’ Chair Mary Robinson calls on UN Member States to prioritise the interests of young people, Sophie Howe, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales explains how the Welsh Government is giving young people a voice in political decision-making.

Climate change denial is a malign evil

Accepting the 2019 Kew International Medal for her work on climate justice, Mary Robinson called out fossil fuel companies for losing their social licence to operate.

Making the business case for access to justice

The global injustice of violence against women is estimated to cost between 1 and 4% of GDP. Hina Jilani considers the business case for access to justice. Read her keynote address to the OECD Global Policy Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice.

Access to Justice

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), Caroline Kamana from Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition’s Education team, explores the power of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

Ethical Leadership

Women in Power - the future of women’s leadership

Mary Robinson discusses the outstanding achievements of powerful women and what remains to be done to encourage the success of future female leaders at Women in Power event at the United Nations.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders stand in solidarity with students striking for climate action

Young people are rising up to demand urgent climate action from their leaders. On behalf of The Elders, Mary Robinson commended them for speaking truth to power.

Standing strong in the wake of increasingly hostile US immigration policies

With the Trump administration expanding a hard-line immigration policy, Greer Millard at The Florence Project highlights the importance of the organisations work with immigrants in Arizona.

Refugees & Migration

Students, Sunrise and Rebels unite to defy extinction

On 15 March students from around the world will join a global Youth Strike for Climate to demand that their leaders urgently take climate action. Extinction Rebellion Activist Farhana Yamin and #YouthStrike4Climate organiser Jake Woodier explain why.

The World Bank Group's defeat at the US Supreme Court will save its mission

In this guest blog Kirk Herbertson, Advocacy Strategist at EarthRights International - one of the Spark of Hope organisations honoured by The Elders - explains the significance of a ruling from the US Supreme Court earlier this year.

Access to Justice, Climate Change

The urgency of women and girls’ leadership in ensuring healthy societies and a healthy planet

Mary Robinson highlights women's achievements in transforming healthcare at the Commission on the Status of Women Side Event: Health for All Through Women's Human Rights.

The women creating a freer, fairer world

On International Women’s Day we celebrate eleven ideas for a freer, fairer world created by women, for women. These brave women and organisations fight for a world with equal rights and opportunities for women and girls.

Time's up for violence against women and girls

Graça Machel decries the horrifying statistics on the prevalence of violence against women and girls on International Women's Day 2019. First published by Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Access to Justice

Governing Geoengineering

Ban Ki-moon calls for clear governance rules for geoengineering based on inclusive, multilateral engagement, and warns against complacency in the face of the unforeseen and unintended consequences of these new technologies. Published in Thomson Reuters.

India and Pakistan must show restraint to defuse military tensions: The Elders

The Elders today called on the leaders of India and Pakistan to take urgent steps to defuse military and political tensions that have developed over the past few days and to refrain from further bellicose rhetoric and pursue a path of meaningful dialogue.

Ethical Leadership

East-West tensions at Munich highlight urgent need for action on nuclear threat

On 15-17 February, Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson announced a new agenda on nuclear minimisation at the Munich Security Conference.

Ethical Leadership

UK must stop investing in fossil fuels in developing countries

Writing in The Guardian, Ban Ki-moon calls on the UK to prove it is serious about phasing out the use of fossil fuels worldwide

A New Era of Nuclear Rearmament

The international arms-control architecture is at risk of collapsing. Ernesto Zedillo warns of the risks of a new nuclear arms race between the US and Russia, and urges every nuclear-armed state to act responsibly to prevent catastrophe.

Ethical Leadership

#NuclearThreat: a call for minimisation

Ban Ki-moon, Ernesto Zedillo, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Mary Robinson explain why all nuclear powers must pursue policies of nuclear minimisation, to preserve peace for future generations.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders propose ‘minimisation agenda’ as urgent first step to nuclear disarmament

The Elders today called on all nuclear powers to take urgent steps towards nuclear disarmament, in the form of a “minimisation” agenda, to counter a dangerous rise in geopolitical tensions and distrust between states.

Ethical Leadership

Nuclear powers must get serious about disarmament, and act now to prevent unparalleled devastation

The Elders advocate a "minimisation" agenda to further the cause of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation and safeguard peace.

Ethical Leadership

2019: a year for justice

Hina Jilani and Mary Robinson launch The Elders' new Access to Justice programme in The Hague, during the final meetings of the Task Force on Justice.

Access to Justice

The women taking on India's domestic violence epidemic

As The Elders launch a new programme on Access to Justice, Elca Grobler, founder of Indian NGO My Choices Foundation writes of the importance of addressing the profound global injustice of violence against women.

Access to Justice

Access to Justice: closing the gap

At the launch of The Elders' new programme on Access to Justice, Mary Robinson explains why the time is right for a new push for justice for all.

Access to Justice

The Elders' Access to Justice programme launch

The Elders are launching a new programme on Access to Justice because without justice, the SDGs cannot be achieved.

Access to Justice

New technology as a disruptive global force

Gro Harlem Brundtland addresses the Youth and Leaders Summit at Sciences Po on the challenges posed by new technology.

Ethical Leadership

Juan Manuel Santos se suma a The Elders

The Elders se complace en anunciar que Juan Manuel Santos, ex Presidente de Colombia y Premio Nobel de la Paz 2016, se ha incorporado a la organización.

The Elders welcome Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Juan Manuel Santos and Zeid Raad Al Hussein

The Elders announced three new members today: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Juan Manuel Santos and Zeid Raad Al Hussein.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Juan Manuel Santos and Zeid Raad Al Hussein join The Elders

The Elders announced today with great pleasure that three new members have joined the group: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate 2011; Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate 2016;

The Elders urge peaceful resolution of Zimbabwe crisis through inclusive dialogue

The Elders today expressed deep concern at the worsening social and economic crisis in Zimbabwe amid reports of killings, arrests and intimidation of opposition and civil society figures and a shutdown of internet access.

Putting human rights at the heart of sustainable development

Mary Robinson describes how promoting and protecting human rights and progress towards the realisation of the SDGs are interrelated and mutually reinforcing.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

We must not succumb to fatalism or despair in 2019

Mary Robinson reflects on the events on 2018 and looks forward to the Elders priorities for the coming year: climate change and nuclear proliferation.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

100 Ideas for a Freer, Fairer World from 100 Sparks of Hope

The Elders chose to honour the 100th anniversary of their founder Nelson Mandela by celebrating 100 Sparks of Hope.

Ethical Leadership

2018: A year in review

2018 has been a momentous year for The Elders. Have a look back at our activities this year.

Access to Justice, Climate Change, Conflict, Ethical Leadership, Refugees & Migration, UHC

Tracking the transition to a sustainable future

Credible information is key to those advocating for a sustainable world. James Browning and Ted Nace explain how CoalSwarm’s tools power understanding of where the transition to sustainable energy supplies is working – and where it isn’t.

Trip Report: Elders delegation to Kuwait in July 2018

In July 2018, The Elders visited Kuwait at the invitation of the country’s Emir, to exchange views on regional political and security issues, especially the tensions around Iran, the Yemen conflict and the year-old dispute inside the GCC.

Why public finance is key to delivering the human right to health

Writing for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Ban Ki-moon calls on leaders to demonstrate the political will required to achieve public financed health systems.

Steps Toward a Lasting Peace on the Korean Peninsula

On 28 September 2018, the National Committee on North Korea (NCNK) and The Elders convened a meeting of distinguished experts and practitioners to discuss the evolving situation concerning North Korea.

The Elders challenge leaders to confront migration lies and make UN deal a success

The Elders welcome the signing of the United Nations Global Compact for Migration, and urge politicians, media and civil society to recognise the realities of our globalised world and respect the human rights of people on the move.

Refugees & Migration

What does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mean in today’s fractured world?

Graça Machel reflects on 70 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the continued abuses tearing lives apart from Yemen to Venezuela.

Access to Justice, Climate Change, Conflict, Ethical Leadership, Refugees & Migration, UHC

Ignore the lies about the UN Migration pact. It's the only responsible solution to a changing world

Writing in TIME, Mary Robinson calls on leaders to recognise the realities of our globalized world and embrace the sovereignty that the UN Global Compact on Migration provides.

Refugees & Migration

Mary Robinson joins filmmakers shining a light on the urgent human rights issues of today

In her role as Honorary President, Mary Robinson joined filmmakers to celebrate several short films highlighting key human rights issues affecting people across the world today.

World leaders must recommit to UN global values to achieve peace and security

Martti Ahtisaari reflects on his time working with The Elders and stresses the importance of international cooperation and shared values.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Climate change is a global health catastrophe

Ricardo Lagos explains the threat climate change poses to global health.

Climate Change, UHC

Mary Robinson: leading The Elders into its second decade

Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, reflects on the key challenges facing the group as it enters its second decade, and how it will continue to build on Nelson Mandela's vision of a freer, fairer world.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

The Elders demand urgent climate action at G20 summit

The Elders demand urgent climate action at G20 summit

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Martti Ahtisaari steps down from The Elders

Martti Ahtisaari, Nobel peace laureate and former President of Finland, has stepped down as an active member of The Elders.

The Elders encourage full implementation of Colombian peace deal

Writing to the President of Colombia, Ivan Duque, The Elders welcomed his commitment to the peace agreement signed by his predecessor Juan Manuel Santos and encouraged its full implementation to further the causes of peace and reconciliation.

The filmmakers standing up for human rights

A selection of one-minute films from The Mobile Film Festival highlighting the most pressing human rights issues of today.

The time for talking is over: a call to action on climate change and planetary health

Mary Robinson underscores the interlinking challenges of climate change and planetary health, during a keynote address to the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) on 14 November in Doha.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership, UHC

Without traditional knowledge, there is no climate change solution

Ahead of the Climate Vulnerable Forum's virtual summit, indigenous peoples' champion Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim insists that those already living with the reality of climate change must be integral in decision making.

Climate Vulnerable Countries take the lead in the fight against climate change despite low emissions and limited resources

Ahead of the Climate Vulnerable Forum's Virtual Summit, Hala Kilani, of the Climate Action Network underscores the urgent need for collective climate action.

Mary Robinson outlines priorities in her new role as Chair of The Elders

Mary Robinson reflects on her appointment as Chair of The Elders and our recent board meeting in London. In this, her first public message, she calls for holistic leadership that places the interests of ordinary people centre stage.

Ethical Leadership

Taking the lead on Human Rights

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, The Elders joined together with the British Council and SOAS to debate the future of human rights and ethical leadership.

Mary Robinson appointed new Chair of The Elders

The former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights will become The Elders’ third Chair.

The Elders call on Sri Lanka’s leaders to uphold constitutional law

The Elders express grave concern at the situation in Sri Lanka following President Maithripala Sirisena’s unconstitutional decision to dismiss Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders call on UN Security Council to take urgent, credible action to lift Yemen blockade

As the three major powers backing the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen, The Elders call on the UK, the US and France to take urgent action to bring an end to the blockade of Yemen and avert a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Low carbon investment: a matter of climate justice and civil rights

Mary Robinson speaks at NEXUS/GCAS side event in San Francisco in September 2018

Mary Robinson named Honorary President of human rights film festival

To mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Mobile Film Festival will showcase films with the theme: Stand Up for Human Rights.

Event: Challenging Human Rights Leadership

Marking the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Elders will join former UN High Commissioners and young leaders to discuss the future of human rights and ethical leadership.

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