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Why are we not speaking about the intersection of health and climate change?

Noting that it took a global pandemic to raise the importance of public health, David Imbago Jácome, a medical doctor from Ecuador, calls for a healthy recovery that takes care of both the most vulnerable and the planet.

COVID-19 has gifted us a chance to end gender-based violence. We must take it

Noting that COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in an increase in domestic violence and a decrease in survivors' access to justice, Graça Machel calls for the global epidemic of gender-based violence to be rooted out as boldly as we are tackling COVID-19.

Access to Justice

Climate Change: a threat to human health in Nigeria. Let’s take action!

Adegbile Deborah Morayo, a 12-year-old climate activist from Nigeria, writes about living with the impacts of environmental degradation and how this drives her passion to be a climate activist advocating for the right to a clean and healthy environment.

ASEAN must act to save Rohingya refugees in the Bay of Bengal

As thousands of displaced Rohingya are struggling to find sanctuary in the Bay of Bengal, Ban Ki-moon calls on governments in the region to take action, uphold the rule of law and show solidarity for those in peril on the sea

Refugees & Migration

Finding Humanity Podcast: critical conversations with The Elders

Finding Humanity is a new podcast which explores the need for empathetic and principled leadership in the time of COVID-19.

What is Broken and What is Beautiful: Creative Climate Adaptation

Championed by Ban Ki-moon, Brianna Fruean, a climate activist for Samoa, writes about three things she has seen, learned and been inspired by, across the globe during our current struggles.

The Elders call for bold multilateralism to drive global response to COVID-19

The Elders urge leaders to put multilateralism, solidarity and human rights at the heart of their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to prioritise the health and economic needs of poorer countries in the Global South in the coming weeks and months

Ethical Leadership

A global response to beat the virus is in all countries' interests. No one is safe until everyone is safe.

A global response to beat the virus is in all countries' interests. No one is safe until everyone is safe.

COVID-19: Gulf states are well positioned to lead the global response

Wise leadership, strategic investments and an open-minded foreign policy can ensure the Gulf region plays a key role in the global fight against COVID-19, Gro Harlem Brundtland writes in The National.

Ethical Leadership

Nationalism and partisan politics make it harder to tackle the existential threats to humanity.

Nationalism and partisan politics make it harder for the world to tackle the existential threats to humanity.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders launch discussion on COVID-19 and global leadership with new podcast collaboration

The Elders launch discussion on COVID-19 and global leadership with new podcast collaboration

Ethical Leadership

The COVID-19 response shows the real potential of what united climate action could achieve

Erin Fowler, a young climate activist from Scotland, UK, recalls the passion of local communities as they work together with global citizens to tackle transborder issues like climate change and plastic pollution.

Ban Ki-moon: I support the UN’s call for a global ceasefire to help fight COVID-19

COVID-19 is a grave threat to all humanity, but people living in conflict zones are particularly vulnerable to its ravages.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Time to focus on a larger fight – coronavirus ceasefires

The Elders’ Head of Programmes, Jane Kinninmont, blogs on the impact of COVID-19 on conflicts around the world

The Elders call for new Middle East peace plan to counter Israeli annexation threat

The Elders today called for new engagement from the international community to deliver a just outcome to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and uphold international law.

The connection between people and nature

Howey Ou, a climate activist from China, says that just as the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the whole planet, so too does the climate crisis. Warning against inaction, she calls for a collective effort to achieve climate justice.

The climate crisis is already here: Why we must listen to voices in the Global South

Vanessa Nakate, a young climate activist from Uganda, outlines the devastating impact of climate change and warns that those on the frontlines must be engaged in finding solutions. She also highlights the challenge of climate activism in the Global South

COVID-19 demands a collective, rights-based response

An uncontrolled contagion, no matter where in the world, and no matter how localised, is a threat to all of humanity. Elder and former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf writes on the need for global cooperation to beat COVID-19.

Justice must be an essential part of the COVID-19 response and recovery

The recently published Taskforce for Justice report Justice for All and the Public Health Emergency sounds the alarm over the human rights crisis posed by the coronavirus pandemic

Access to Justice

Not losing hope: Climate action and lessons to learn in India

Ridhima Pandey, a 12-year-old climate activist from India explains the motivations behind her environmental activism and why she seeks to raise awareness about caring for the planet.

Too young to understand climate action? Actually, young people are leading the way

Theo Cullen-Mouze, a young climate activist from Ireland, argues that the COVID-19 response shows the capacity of the world to collaborate, mobilise vast resources and take radical action in times of crisis. He calls for intersectional climate justice.

The world and the Latin American and Caribbean region cannot afford delayed or inadequate responses to COVID-19

Ernesto Zedillo, Juan Manuel Santos, Ricardo Lagos and Elder Emeritus, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, outline the steps and policies the Latin American and Caribbean region must take to mitigate the worst of COVID-19.

Ethical Leadership

We need a global solution for a global pandemic

Ricardo Lagos illustrates why Gordon Brown’s initiative—which sees a number of public figures and leaders from around the world being invited to tackle the crisis unleashed by coronavirus—is worth highlighting.

It will take all of us: never too young to lead on the climate crisis

On Earth Day 2020, Mary Robinson launched this series of intergenerational blogs. In her special Earth Day message, Mary Robinson outlined the need for us to respond to the global challenges we face in solidarity.

Migrants' rights and health must be protected in the face of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is a test of our common humanity. It has revealed our shared vulnerabilities, and only a coordinated response based on justice, solidarity and humanitarian principles can help us overcome it.

Refugees & Migration

The COVID-19 pandemic is widening the justice gap

Justice systems are vital to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating its worst effects. A new briefing by the Taskforce on Justice, co-chaired by Hina Jilani calls for urgent action to ensure justice for all. Read her foreword:

Access to Justice

COVID-19: a joint call to the G20 for coordination on health and the economy

The Elders have joined global leaders to call on the G20 to undertake immediate and coordinated health and economic measures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Skoll Foundation presents 2020 Global Treasure Award to The Elders

Today, The Skoll Foundation honoured The Elders with its Global Treasure Award.

Ethical Leadership

COVID-19 shines a light on our common humanity and shared vulnerabilities

Only by asserting the common bonds of our humanity can we overcome this pandemic

The Elders promote the WHO Safe Hands Challenge

This week three of the Elders took part in the World Health Organization's online challenge to raise awareness of good hand-washing practice during this COVID-19 pandemic

Ethical Leadership, UHC

The Elders call for global resolve and solidarity in the fight against COVID-19

The Elders call for global resolve and solidarity in the fight against COVID-19

International Women's Day 2020

To mark International Women's Day this year, The Elders have shared photos of themselves with women who inspire them, to highlight the importance of women's engagement, leadership and action in seeking a more peaceful and just world.

Universal Health Coverage: an urgent call for increased public financing

Young health leaders joined Gro Harlem Brundtland in a dialogue on achieving Universal Health Coverage. This thought-piece was co-authored by six participants to the discussion, following One Young World’s 2019 Summit in London, UK.

To solve global challenges, leaders must work together in the national interest

At a time when multilateralism is under attack, Ban Ki-moon reflects on the importance of working together to overcome global challenges.

Ethical Leadership

Marking Nelson Mandela's release: 30 years on

30 years on from Nelson Mandela's release from prison, we recall The Elders' memories of their founder.

The Elders warn new US ‘peace’ plan for Middle East is unworkable

The Elders warned today that the new US proposals announced by President Trump cannot provide a workable solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Accelerate Universal Health Coverage to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals

Global health risks like coronavirus underscore the critical importance of resilient health systems in protecting everyone, Ban Ki-moon tells leaders and health experts at PMAC 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand.

It is 100 seconds to midnight: the world needs to recognise and respond to this wake up call

The Doomsday Clock shows we are closer to global catastrophe than ever before - this needs to be a wake-up call for the world.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Climate leadership: it always seems impossible until it’s done

Mary Robinson outlines the concept of climate justice and calls for urgent, multilateral climate leadership to protect current and future generations.

Doomsday Clock 2020: it is 100 seconds to midnight

Mary Robinson and Ban Ki-moon join experts from the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists for the unveiling of the Doomsday Clock

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

To overcome existential threats, we need to re-energise multilateralism

Unveiling the 2020 Doomsday Clock in Washington D.C., Ban Ki-moon urges global leaders to re-energise multilateralism to overcome existential threats facing humanity.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

We are faced by a gathering storm of extinction-level consequences, and time is running out

Unveiling the 2020 Doomsday Clock in Washington D.C., Mary Robinson calls for an urgent change of mindset to challenge the existential threats facing humanity.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Nuclear weapons are Issue Zero

Cecili Thompson Williams, executive director of Beyond the Bomb, highlights the importance of youth activism and leadership to ensure a nuclear weapons-free future

Ethical Leadership

The spirit of multilateral endeavour is sorely needed in today's troubled and turbulent times

Addressing the Nuclear Disarmament Conference in The Hague, Mary Robinson outlines the steps countries must take to minimise the existential threat to humanity posed by nuclear weapons.

Ethical Leadership

The Doomsday clock is ticking.

The Elders will be unveiling the Doomsday Clock on 23 January 2020

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

We need new voices in the nuclear disarmament debate

Britt Vegting, a medical student from The Netherlands and advocate for meaningful youth participation in discussions on abolishment of nuclear weapons, writes about her experience as activist raising awareness about the threat of nuclear weapons.

Ethical Leadership

2020 must be a year of multilateral action on nuclear arms, climate and gender

Reflecting on the challenges we face as the world enters a new decade, Mary Robinson highlights the importance of multilateralism and collective solidarity

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Multilateral solutions are vital to tackling the global challenges we face

As the United Nations marks the start of its 75th year, Mary Robinson addresses the Security Council on multilateralism, nuclear arms control and gender equality.

Ethical Leadership

2019: a year in review

2019 has been a busy year for The Elders and the world. Find out more about our activities.

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

COP 25: High hopes but disappointing conclusions in Madrid

COP 25: High hopes but disappointing conclusions in Madrid

Nothing About Us, Without Us: the Global Refugee-Led Network

As the Global Refugee Forum takes place on 17-18 December, our guest bloggers, Mohammed Badran and Sana Mustafa explore the importance of refugee voices in the decision-making process.

Refugees & Migration

The Elders call on regional leaders to kickstart South Sudan peace talks

The Elders call upon leaders from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional bloc to urgently convene talks with the leaders of South Sudan to advance peace negotiations after a series of delays and setbacks.

The Escazú Agreement places human rights at the heart of tackling the climate crisis

The Escazú Agreement is a unique and historic achievement, not only for Latin America and the Caribbean but for the world, because it specifically offers protection to human rights defenders on environmental issues.

States alone cannot deliver the Paris Agreement - the role of the financial community is critical

Speaking at the F20 Reception at COP25, Mary Robinson calls for cooperative action towards sustainable development.

Gender equality is key to tackling the climate crisis

Speaking on Gender Day at COP25 in Madrid, Mary Robinson calls for inclusivity to be lived out in the actions we all take when tackling the climate emergency.

Latin America can still lead the world on climate justice

Zeid Raad Al Hussein calls on Latin American governments to ratify the Escazú Agreement -the first treaty of its kind in the world that specifically includes the protection of human rights defenders in environmental matters. Published in O Globo & El Pais

Access to Justice, Climate Change

Women, girls, and non-binary leaders are demonstrating the kind of leadership our world so badly needs

Women, girls, and non-binary leaders are demonstrating the kind of leadership our world so badly needs

Nuclear weapons are still the greatest threat to world peace. NATO must take action now to protect humanity

The risk of a nuclear war is higher than at any time since the end of the Cold War. Mary Robinson warns leaders meeting at NATO's London Summit in London to seize the opportunity to prevent a new arms race. Published in The Independent.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Attacks on multilateral system threaten global peace and security

The Elders' statement on the unprecedented attack on multilateralism

Ethical Leadership

Escazú Agreement: Climate action and human rights in Latin America and the Caribbean

The Elders are calling for the early ratification of the Escazú Agreement.

Access to Justice, Climate Change

Violence against women is a global injustice

Access to justice is crucial in the fight to end violence against women.

Access to Justice

The Elders condemn US shift on Israeli settlements as attack on international law

The Elders today strongly condemned the policy shift announced by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on the legality of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories as injurious to peace and an attack on the broader system and values of international law

Japan must act now to regain its status of global climate leader

Japan was once a pioneer of climate leadership. Now, Mary Robinson and CEO of the ECF, Laurence Tubiana urge the country to embrace this role again by leading the technological breakthrough on clean energy systems of the future.

German leadership is critical to ending EIB support for fossil fuels

German leadership is critical to ending EIB support for fossil fuels

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Is President Trump abandoning America’s future by quitting the Paris climate accord?

Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders and Patrick Verkooijen, Chief Executive of the Global Center on Adaptation, call on US President Donald Trump to act on the climate emergency. Published in the New York Times.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

One Young World 2019: A dialogue between generations

Mary Robinson, Gro Brundtland and Lakhdar Brahimi attended the 10th One Young World Summit in London in October 2019. Championing intergenerational dialogue, The Elders enjoyed opportunities to speak to and learn from the young leaders attending.

Moderation is key to working our differences out with respect

Rejecting the extreme Right and the extreme Left as representations of authoritarianism and populism, Juan Manuel Santos urges rising generations to have the collective courage to champion moderation and inclusivity in approaching global challenges.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders in conversation with Jon Snow

Speaking to Jon Snow at One Young World's Mary Robinson and Gro Harlem Brundtland discusses the need for multilateralism to tackle global challenges.

Ethical Leadership

The world needs Latin American leadership on the climate crisis

Warning that without urgent and radical action, we will not bequeath a liveable planet to future generations, Juan Manuel Santos calls for inclusive leadership to tackle the climate crisis.

"We are made of the forest" - Defending the Amazon

Movimento Ipereğ Ayũ is a Munduruku resistance movement of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil and one of The Elders' Sparks of Hope. Kabaiwun Munduruku is a Munduruku leader, she shares why she and other women have formed part of this movement.

Access to Justice, Climate Change

Work together to build peace, fight injustice and shape a better world

Addressing young leaders at One Young World, Gro Harlem Brundtland defends the concept of global citizenship and calls for collaboration to tackle global challenges.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership, Refugees & Migration

The Elders call for open access to Kashmir to assess humanitarian and rights situation

The Elders today expressed grave concern at the recent killings by militants and security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir and urged both India and Pakistan to act with restraint and responsibility to defuse tensions.

Together, we can shape a better future for us all

At a time of populism and isolationism, when polarised politics and self-interest have the upper hand, The Elders offer an alternative approach.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders at One Young World

This year the One Young World Summit will welcome The Elders to London to celebrate its 10th anniversary summit.

Climate Change, Conflict, Ethical Leadership, UHC

Nuclear weapons pose an existential threat to our collective future

Speaking at the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Annual Assembly in Belgrade, Lakhdar Brahimi calls for greater mobilisation against the nuclear threat that echoes the urgency of climate change protesters.

Ethical Leadership

Ban Ki-moon: businesses can lead on refugee integration where leaders fall short

Drawing on his own experiences as a refugee in the Korean War, Ban Ki-moon calls on businesses to combat the xenophobic narrative against refugees. Published in The Independent.

Refugees & Migration

Leadership is crucial in this climate crisis - Mary Robinson

"The climate crisis is a battle for our lives and, currently, we are losing." Mary Robinson speaks at the TCFD Summit in Tokyo, Japan.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Listening to and learning from girls

For International Day of the Girl Child, Swatee Deepak, Director of With and For Girls, discusses how to provide meaningful support

Access to Justice

For South Africa, climate adaptation and economic growth can go hand in hand

The idea that there is a “choice” between economic growth and tackling climate change is absurd and self-defeating: Ricardo Lagos considers the many-sided challenges of economic growth in South Africa.

Hopes raised at UNGA but still much more to do

From universal health coverage, to the climate emergency; the refugee crisis, to access to justice, The Elders’ voice was prominent at the 74th UN General Assembly.

Access to Justice, Climate Change, UHC

The Elders urge Colombia to defend peace agreement against FARC dissidents

The Elders today called on Colombian President Iván Duque and all political leaders in the country to take all necessary measures to defend and affirm the country’s historic peace agreement.

The lack of concern and absence of political will risks nuclear catastrophe

Mary Robinson highlights failures around non-proliferation consensus building which has allowed for the termination of several nuclear agreements

Ethical Leadership

A nuclear weapons-free world is possible with step-by-step disarmament

Gro Harlem Brundtland argues that nuclear disarmament is most likely to be achieved through an incremental process which can secure buy-in from all governments.

Ethical Leadership

World leaders risk climate catastrophe with warm words and no action

As the UN Climate Summit concluded, The Elders appealed to world leaders to act on the outrage of millions of strikers around the world and upscale commitments to end fossil fuel use.

Strengthen global health security by investing in Universal Health Coverage

Our networked world means that we are only as strong as our weakest link. Gro Harlem Brundtland warns leaders to ensure resilience to epidemics by investing in health systems that are capable of meeting daily challenges.

Champion Universal Health Coverage to leave nobody behind

Speaking at the United Nations in New York, Gro Harlem Brundtland challenges world leaders to deliver Universal Health Coverage through publicly-financed primary healthcare-led reforms.

Europe's refugee policy is test of its true 'way of life'

Gro Harlem Brundtland and Mary Robinson call on EU leaders to show more solidarity to refugees and share responsibility for resettlement more equitably among member states. Published in the EU Observer.

Refugees & Migration

The Elders stand in solidarity with young people calling for critical climate action

Ahead of the Climate Summit on 23 September 2019, The Elders call on world leaders to take the radical and decisive action needed to curb global emissions, end reliance on fossil fuels and to keep global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

What must States do to deliver justice for all?

Launching the Justice For All Report at the 8th Asia Pro Bono Conference in Nepal, Hina Jilani outlines three key actions required to bridge the justice gap.

Access to Justice

Graça Machel: Why Africa must move from fossil fuels to a clean energy revolution

Writing in TIME, Graca Machel asserts that Africa can be the launchpad for a green-energy revolution, but only if governments are more assertive in pushing for clean energy and climate action.

True democracy implies solidarity with those to whom it is denied

Graça Machel calls on all sections of African society to assert the power of collective action in supporting democratic values and peaceful transitions across the continent.

Ethical Leadership, Refugees & Migration

The Elders call on Zimbabwe’s leaders to place citizens’ needs over party interests

The Elders call on Zimbabwe’s political leaders and all figures in authority to commit to a truly inclusive national dialogue and prioritise the economic and social needs of ordinary citizens over party politics, factionalism and self-interest.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders promote #HealthForAll in South Africa

Gro Harlem Brundtland, Graça Machel and Ricardo Lagos visited South Africa from 2-3 September for discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa, ministers, parliamentarians and health workers to learn more about the country’s NHI reforms.

Universal health coverage is affordable, even in tough times

Countering assertions that South Africa's health reforms are unaffordable amidst economic challenges, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ricardo Lagos argue that investment in health represents an effective investment in the economy as a whole.

The Elders back NHI health reforms in South Africa to build social solidarity

The Elders expressed support for the National Health Insurance (NHI) reforms proposed by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, and urged all stakeholders to act with ambition and urgency to improve publicly-funded healthcare & build social solidarity.

Public financing could transform the realities of healthcare in South Africa

Gro Harlem Brundtland explains why South Africa's planned National Health Insurance Bill have the potential to turn the country into a leader on UHC in Africa, during The Elders' delegation to the country.

How can we support communities trying to protect their land and natural resources?

Increased and smarter financing of access to justice is urgently needed to empower communities to protect their lands, writes Sam Szoke-Burke and Kaitlin Y. Cordes of the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment.

Access to Justice

Media Advisory: The Elders to visit South Africa to promote Universal Health Coverage

The Elders will visit South Africa from 2-3 September to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

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

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