News & Insight | The Elders

Clear all Filters 

Clear all Filters 

SHARE:

   

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.

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

The Elders call on all Zimbabweans to put national interest first as poll nears

Concluding their visit to Zimbabwe ahead of its pivotal general election, The Elders urge Zimbabweans to work together to ensure a free, fair and transparent poll on 30 July.

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

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.

Pages

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Join the conversation

Latest content from our social channels

 Newsletter



Keep up to date with The Elders latest News and Insight:

Sign up to receive monthly newsletters from The Elders. We will occasionally send you other special updates and news, but we'll never share your email address with third parties.

Name *

Email *

Country

I agree to be contacted by email. Privacy Policy

Close