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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

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.

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.

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

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