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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 Jose 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.

The student movement shaking the fossil fuel industry

Better Future Project's Campus Organisers Alyssa Lee and Rachel Schlueter reflect on lessons from the student fossil fuel divestment movement and prove building a generation of young people committed to climate justice is critical.

Ban Ki-moon: IPCC's report exposes how Trump is wrong about climate change

Writing in TIME, Ban Ki-moon calls for concerted action on climate change from leaders in the wake of the IPCC Special Report on 1.5 degrees.

Ethical Leadership

Human rights are a key tool to protect the vulnerable against climate change

Mary Robinson highlights the enduring relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in protecting the vulnerable against the effects of climate change as we mark the 70th Anniversary of the UDHR.

The Elders demand urgent action to meet 1.5 degrees target and avert climate disaster

Alarmed by the IPCC Special Report on 1.5 degrees, The Elders call on world leaders to take radical action to curb global emissions and end all reliance on fossil fuels.

Five reasons climate change is the greatest existential threat of our time

The Elders explain why urgent climate action is needed now not tomorrow.

Discrimination: human rights are a preventative tool

Hina Jilani highlights the role of human rights in the struggle against discrimination as we mark the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

1.5ºC: Urgent changes needed to reach target

Reflecting on his recent visit to California for the Global Climate Action Summit, and following the publication of a critical IPCC report on the impact of 1.5ºC of warming, Ricardo Lagos urges us to stand in solidarity with fellow citizens and future ge

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Highlights from #WalkTogether - continue Mandela's long walk to freedom

In July 2017, The Elders and civil society partners launched #WalkTogether: a global campaign to spark hope in the world and to encourage communities to work together and bridge the global fault lines of division, hate and xenophobia.

Graça Machel speaks truth to power at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit

Addressing the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September, Graça Machel reflects on the purpose and relevance of an empowered United Nations dedicated to achieving a better world for all.

Ethical Leadership

Ban Ki-moon addresses UNGA on the life and legacy Kofi Annan

On 21 September, Ban Ki-moon reflected on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan, his predecessor at the United Nations, during an address to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Ethical Leadership

Mary Robinson addresses UNGA on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan

On 21 September, Mary Robinson reflected on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan, during an address to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Ethical Leadership

The Refugee Crisis Is a Test of Our Collective Conscience

Drawing on his own experiences of being a child refugee during the Korean War, Ban Ki-moon calls on world leaders to increase political will to address the refugee and migrant crisis. First published in the New York Times.

Refugees & Migration, Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge world leaders to step up efforts to eradicate tuberculosis

In letters to world leaders, the Elders call for real political and financial commitment to end TB - the number one infectious disease killer in the world.

Decisive action from Russia, Iran and Turkey required to avoid needless deaths in Idlib siege, Elders warn

Fearing an imminent large-scale offensive, The Elders strongly urge Iran, Russia and Turkey to overcome recent differences and work together to prevent heavy civilian casualties in Syria’s Idlib region.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

California must remain a beacon on climate and health

Ban Ki-moon highlights the interconnected challenges of climate change and health in major Elders speech.

Climate Change, UHC, Ethical Leadership

Stand in solidarity for justice and climate action

As people across the US and around the world #RiseForClimate, Mary Robinson urges politicians and business leaders due to gather at the Global Climate Action Summit in California to heed their call for climate justice.

Climate Change, Access to Justice, Ethical Leadership

The Elders commend Indian leaders for ambitious healthcare reforms

Concluding a visit to India, The Elders commend the country’s leaders at national and state level for a series of ambitious health reforms and urge collaboration to deliver Health For All.

Ethical Leadership

Myths and Fantasies about the Palestinian Refugees and the United Nations

In this guest blog, Andrew Whitley, former senior UNRWA official and Policy Director at The Elders from 2011-16, examines the likely impacts of the recent US decision to halt funding to the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge increased public financing and political will to deliver UHC in India

During an Elders delegation to India, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ban Ki-moon call on leaders to increase public financing on health and show sustained commitment to deliver Universal Health Coverage.

Kofi Annan's 'stubborn optimism' will continue to inspire us

Gro Harlem Brundtland, our acting chair, reflects on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan and looks ahead to our upcoming events.

Climate Change, UHC, Ethical Leadership

The mothers of all battles: how the fight against climate change is being led by moms across America

Kelsey Wirth, Co-founder and Chair of Mothers Out Front outlines how mothers, grandmothers and caregivers from across the United States are mobilising to fill the climate leadership vacuum left by those at the highest levels.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

REPORT: India urgently needs Universal Health Coverage

The Elders launch their report on Universal Health Coverage in India, calling on its leaders to increase political commitment and public financing to deliver #HealthForAll.

The Elders call for restraint and justice in Zimbabwe to honour Kofi Annan’s legacy

Ahead of the ruling by Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court on the 30 July election result, The Elders call on political leaders to honour Kofi Annan's legacy and the aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe by acting responsibly to avert further violence.

Ethical Leadership

Remembering Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan's passing stunned the world. Here, we compile a selection of tributes from his friends, colleagues and those inspired by his leadership.

Kofi Annan will inspire generations – a tribute from Mary Robinson

Writing in The Irish Times, Mary Robinson reflects on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders mourn the loss of Kofi Annan

The Elders are shocked and deeply saddened at the passing of their dear friend and colleague Kofi Annan, who was the globally admired and respected Chair of The Elders.

Ethical Leadership

Donald Trump’s deal must put Palestinian rights centre stage

Writing in the Financial Times, Kofi Annan welcomes fresh approaches to peacemaking but warns that any deal that does not address the root causes of the conflict will be doomed to failure.

Cease the violence and allow the democratic will of the people to prevail, The Elders urge Zimbabwe

The Elders call on all parties in Zimbabwe to show restraint and calm as the country decides its future.

Ethical Leadership

Embracing Madiba's values: building a brighter future in Zimbabwe and South Africa

Mary Robinson reflects on her recent visits to South Africa for Mandela's centenary and to Zimbabwe as the country decides its future.

Ethical Leadership

“Sparks of Hope” can honour Nelson Mandela’s vision of a better world

Writing in CNN, Graça Machel reflects on what we can learn from Madiba's legacy, and calls on us all to #WalkTogether on his centenary, to continue his long walk to freedom.

Media Advisory: The Elders to visit Zimbabwe from 19-21 July

Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson and Lakhdar Brahimi will visit Zimbabwe in support of those working towards an inclusive transition for the country.

Mandela Day 2018: Walk Together to continue Mandela's long walk to freedom

Join Graça Machel, Kofi Annan, Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson on 18 July, as they celebrate Nelson Mandela's centenary in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Ethical Leadership

#WalkTogether to celebrate 100 Sparks of Hope

Graça Machel reflects on a year of championing the freedoms Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to. She invites you to join with The Elders in continuing Mandela's long walk to freedom.

Ethical Leadership, Access to Justice

The Elders meet Kuwaiti leaders, call for greater dialogue on regional security issues

On their first official visit to Kuwait, The Elders commended the Kuwaiti leadership for prioritising peaceful and political processes to address regional problems, including conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Palestine.

Ethical Leadership

Media Advisory: The Elders to visit Kuwait from 1-4 July 2018

Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi will visit the State of Kuwait to discuss regional security and political issues with senior political leaders and civil society.

Ethical Leadership

Annual Review 2017: #WalkTogether To Spark Hope In The World

2017 was a landmark year for the Elders. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in July and launched our Walk Together campaign to celebrate the freedoms Mandela dedicated his life to: Peace, Justice, Health and Equality. We also welcomed new members Ban Ki-m

Climate Change, Refugees & Migration, UHC, Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders condemn US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council

The Elders condemn the US decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council as an alarming act of isolationism that will make it harder to defend the rights and dignity of vulnerable people worldwide.

Ethical Leadership

Gro Harlem Brundtland: the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture

Gro Harlem Brundtland delivered the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture at the International Institute for Environment and Development, speaking on her engagement with sustainable development over the last three decades.

Livestream: Gro Harlem Brundtland to deliver the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture at the IIED

On 19 June 2018, Gro Harlem Brundtland will deliver the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture at the International Institute for Environment and Development. Watch the livestream here from 7:00pm BST.

Gro Harlem Brundtland: the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture

Gro Harlem Brundtland delivered the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture at the International Institute for Environment and Development, speaking on her engagement with sustainable development over the last three decades.

The Elders urge US, DPRK to build on Singapore summit with hard work for peace

The Elders welcome the historic summit and call on both parties to continue serious engagement to make progress towards full denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge US to recommit funding for UN Palestinian refugees agency

The Elders urge the United States to recommit funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to prevent a drastic cut in its essential services such as healthcare and education to those in need across the Middle East.

Refugees & Migration, Ethical Leadership

Global challenges demand leaders act on principles not populism

Ban Ki-moon urges politicians to have the courage to take difficult decisions rather than pandering to xenophobic or populist pressures.

Refugees & Migration, Conflict

On climate action and healthcare, it is the young who hold the keys of change

Addressing graduating students at the Harvard School of Public Health, Mary Robinson highlights the interrelated challenges of climate change and health - and the potential of young people to seize the opportunity to deliver positive change.

Climate Change, UHC, Ethical Leadership

How Massachusetts can blaze a trail for climate action

Writing in the Boston Globe, Mary Robinson praises Boston and the state of Massachusetts –and the role of local activism– for its record on climate action. She commends it as a model for the rest of the United States in the absence of bold or enlighte

Ethical Leadership

Who pays the costs of climate change? In the United States, it might be the oil industry.

Katie Redford, Co-founder and Director of environmental justice group EarthRights International outlines how litigation against the fossil fuel industry can help achieve a fairer solution to the question of who pays for climate change.

Ethical Leadership

Ensuring an Equitable Route to UHC in the Commonwealth

Discussing progress on UHC around the Commonwealth during the World Health Assembly, Graça Machel argues that delivering publicly financed healthcare is a political choice and challenges leaders to invest in their people's futures.

Ensuring an Equitable Route to UHC in the Commonwealth

Discussing progress on UHC around the Commonwealth during the World Health Assembly, Graça Machel argues that delivering publicly financed healthcare is a political choice and challenges leaders to invest in their people's futures.

The Elders deplore US Embassy move to Jerusalem as threat to peace

The Elders strongly criticised the US decision to move its Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem as a serious blow to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and urged other countries not to follow suit.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders demand Israel respects international law to stop further Gaza protest killings

The Elders call on the Israeli Government to fully comply with international humanitarian law and respect the right to peaceful protest of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.

The Elders urge JCPOA signatories to stick to deal despite US withdrawal

The Elders strongly condemn President Trump’s decision to withdraw the US from the Iran nuclear deal and call on other signatories to continue to sustain its spirit and implementation.

Ethical Leadership

#WalkTogether to #FightInequality: a growing movement for systemic change

Reflections from the past month's #WalkTogether events and the increasing momentum to tackle economic inequality and achieve a more equitable world.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders warn Brexit “hard border” could pose threat to peace in Northern Ireland

Hailing the Good Friday Agreement as an inspiration to others around the world, The Elders warn against the imposition of a "hard border" in the event of the UK leaving the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union after Brexit.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge member states to take action at UN to prevent mass atrocities

The Elders have urged the governments of 31 countries to do more in the face of mass atrocities, by signing a UN Code of Conduct committing them not to obstruct credible Security Council resolutions designed to halt or prevent these acts.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders encourage integrity and transparency across Zimbabwe’s transition

The Elders today encouraged all political actors in Zimbabwe to deliver integrity and transparency across the country’s transition, including a level playing field ahead of the upcoming elections.

Ethical Leadership

Livestream: #WalkTogether to Fight Inequality

The Elders will join the Fight Inequality Alliance and Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity at the LSE, on Tuesday 17 April to honour grassroots movements working to end inequality.

The Elders warn against escalation to 'uncontrollable war' in Syria

Expressing deep alarm at the prospect of a further escalation of the Syrian war following the latest reported chemical weapons attack, The Elders call on all parties to avoid further military action.

The Elders mourn the death of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

The Elders' statement on the passing of South African anti-Apartheid campaigner and former first lady Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

The Elders urge US, Korean leaders to seize chance for nuclear breakthrough

Praising recent gestures of reconciliation and inter-Korean cooperation, The Elders call on leaders in Washington, Pyongyang and Seoul to redouble efforts to resolve the nuclear tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Ethical Leadership

Ernesto Zedillo: Trump retreats from leadership yet again

Decrying the U.S. decision to withdraw participation from the Global Compact for Migration, Ernesto Zedillo asserts that states can better protect their own citizens when they cooperate to overcome the challenges of migration.

Refugees & Migration, Ethical Leadership

Managing migration: why leadership matters

Louise Arbour, United Nations Special Representative for International Migration, calls on governments negotiating the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration to seize the opportunity for collaboration, whilst demonstrating strong political

Ethical Leadership

The Elders call for decisive action to end sectarian violence in Sri Lanka

Following recent sectarian violence targeting Muslim communities on the island, The Elders call on the Government of Sri Lanka to end impunity for those committing and inciting violence, defend human rights and promote inter-communal reconciliation.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders warn against US, Russian nuclear strategy escalation

The Elders warn against provocative statements from the United States and Russia and urge the leaders of both countries to work together to avoid a dangerous escalation of nuclear tensions.

Celebrating the global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice

As this year’s International Women’s Day approaches, Hina Jilani reflects on the impressive achievements of global women’s protest movements over the past year and the barriers that remain to overcome.

Access to Justice

Elders at the Munich Security Conference 2018

On 16-18 February, Kofi Annan, Lakhdar Brahimi and Ernesto Zedillo attended the annual Munich Security Conference for panel discussions and bilateral meetings on conflict resolution in the Middle East and wider global issues including democracy and global

Tolerance and respect for diversity will help bridge our polarised world

Seventeen years on from their joint pledge on tolerance and diversity, Mary Robinson reflects on Nelson Mandela's legacy at an event to mark his centenary and explains how these values remain relevant in today's polarised world.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders hold talks with Saudi Arabia’s leaders on regional security

On their first official visit to Saudi Arabia, The Elders welcomed domestic reforms, and urged meaningful dialogue with its neighbours to resolve regional security crises.

Ban Ki-moon: A decisive UNSC is needed now more than ever

Addressing the UN Security Council on 21 February, Ban Ki-moon called on members to swap rhetoric for action to ensure it delivers on its mandate to maintain international peace and security.

Ethical Leadership

Media Advisory: The Elders to visit Saudi Arabia from 25-28 February 2018

Kofi Annan leads The Elders’ first delegation to Saudi Arabia to discuss current social and economic reforms and security issues across the Middle East.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge Bulgaria to use EU Presidency for greater action on refugee resettlement

The Elders have urged Bulgaria to use its tenure to push for greater action and ambition on refugee resettlement through developing a strong Union Resettlement Framework.

Ethical Leadership

Walk together in Mandela's footsteps for justice

Ricardo Lagos warns of the danger to democracy when justice and the rule of law are accessible only to the wealthy and powerful. Noting numerous regional elections on the horizon, he explains why now is Latin America's moment to step up the fight for just

Access to Justice

The Elders call for urgent action on political and humanitarian crises in DR Congo

Condemning decades of failure, The Elders call for immediate and concerted action to provide relief and protect rights of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Why the rule of law is essential to justice, peace, and economic and social progress

Writing in Quartz, Mary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo explain the importance of access to justice and the rule of law as an equalising force, enabling the world to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. They call on leaders to show political will to make

The Elders mourn the death of Asma Jahangir

The Elders' statement on the untimely death of Pakistani lawyer and internationally respected human rights defender Asma Jahangir.

North and South Korea must seize this Olympic moment

Writing in the Financial Times, Ban Ki-moon calls for continued dialogue in order to make meaningful progress to resolve nuclear tensions and reach a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula.

Climate justice: a civil rights movement with those most affected at its heart

Mary Robinson calls for global solidarity and empathy with those most affected by climate change, putting the most vulnerable at the heart of decision making and urges a shift to a ‘1.5 degree mindset’.

Ethical Leadership

Hugh Masekela: A Tribute from The Elders

Remembering Hugh Masekela, a voice for justice whose music will live on to inspire future generations in their own struggles to build a freer, fairer world.

Making migration work for all: developing a human rights-focused approach

Mary Robinson calls on the international community to agree new ways of managing migration that recognise the realities of our globalised world, respects and protects human dignity, and shares the responsibility and benefits of integrating new migrants in

Ethical Leadership

Lakhdar Brahimi: how the curtain fell on America’s moment in the Middle East

Lakhdar Brahimi discusses the current challenges facing the Middle East and calls for stronger regional cooperation in an interview for Chatham House's The World Today.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

2018: Building a world Madiba would be proud of

As we face unprecedented global challenges in 2018, Kofi Annan draws lessons from the life of Nelson Mandela, specifically the need for leaders to respect international law, human rights and act with compassion and empathy.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Indonesia can achieve Universal Health Coverage with increased public financing

Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ernesto Zedillo discuss Indonesia's progress towards Universal Health Coverage in an interview with Desi Anwar for CNN Indonesia.

A call for global leadership on climate and conflict resolution

In an interview with AFP on 11 December, Kofi Annan, Ban Ki-Moon, Lakhdar Brahimi, Mary Robinson and Gro Harlem Brundtland discuss the lack of global political commitment to tackling the challenges facing the world today.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Africa's health challenge is a human rights issue

Writing in All Africa, Graça Machel calls on political leaders to prioritise health and urges investment in healthcare across Africa to ensure access is affordable for all.

Citizen power can generate the political will for Universal Health Coverage

Ricardo Lagos reflects on his experience as President of Chile, highlighting the vital role of citizen demand to generate the political commitment needed to realise health for all at the UHC Forum public event in Tokyo.

Ethical Leadership

Les Elders rencontrent le Président français Emmanuel Macron et saluent l’engagement de la France sur le climat

Les Elders étaient à Paris le 11 et 12 décembre pour une rencontre avec le Président français Emmanuel Macron et pour participer au sommet sur le climat « One Planet ». Les échanges avec le Président Macron ont porté sur les grands défis mondia

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

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