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Still fit for purpose? Elders’ UN proposals take centre stage at Sciences Po

Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi discussed The Elders’ proposals for strengthening the UN at the Sciences Po event which included contributions from several possible candidates for the next Secretary-General and touched on issues from terrorism to t

Ethical Leadership

Kofi Annan: "We all have a responsibility to assist refugees; they have rights"

Speaking from Davos to BBC Newsnight, Kofi Annan highlights the need for leadership and cooperation, from Europe's refugee crisis to resolving the Syrian civil war and tackling the Islamic State.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome the lifting of sanctions against Iran

The lifting of the sanctions against Iran is a diplomatic breakthrough fully supported by The Elders and proof that positive outcomes can be achieved through sustained political dialogue.

Martti Ahtisaari calls for UN reform at Sciences Po event in Paris

Almost one year on from launching our initiative to strengthen the United Nations, Martti Ahtisaari delivers a keynote address at the Sciences Po Youth & Leaders Summit in Paris calling for leadership by governments and the next Secretary-General in m

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

What will be on the agenda for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations

Livestreamed from Sciences Po’s Youth & Leaders Summit 2016 in Paris on Monday 18 January, Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi speak on The Elders’ call for UN reform the serious challenges facing the next Secretary-General.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome UN High-Level Panel report on humanitarian funding

The Elders welcome the new report on humanitarian funding by the UN High-Level Panel and call on the world’s prosperous nations to show real ethical leadership to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable.

Ethical Leadership

2016: a year for passionate intensity and positive change

Reflecting on the events of the past year, Kofi Annan calls on our current generation of leaders to show conviction to achieve positive change for in 2016.

Ethical Leadership

As COP21 ends, the fight for responsible politics begins

Our Head of International Media William French returns from a successful COP21 and argues that politicians and the press need to talk honestly about the tough choices ahead to make the global climate deal work.

Ethical Leadership

Paris agreement gives us momentum to build on

At the successful conclusion of the COP21 climate summit, Mary Robinson welcomes the new Paris Agreement, giving the world the opportunity to create a sustainable future.

Ethical Leadership

An agreement for humanity: the Elders welcome COP21 climate deal

The Elders congratulate the signatories of the COP21 climate deal in Paris for reaching “an agreement for humanity” which, if implemented fully and in good faith, could herald a turning point in the fight against climate change, poverty and injustice.

Ethical Leadership

Venezuelans to be congratulated for their deep commitment to democratic practice

The Elders congratulate the Venezuelan people on the recent election result and calls on all parties to address challenges that arise through appropriate legal channels.

Ethical Leadership

A stronger UN means empowered human rights defenders

To mark Human Rights Day on 10 December, Hina Jilani argues that a stronger UN would deliver more universally implemented human rights. And this year, both are needed more than ever.

Ethical Leadership

Palestinian rights are human rights

The Elders' Policy and Advocacy Director Andrew Whitley considers the link between International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November and the Human Rights Day on 10 December and explains why the need to uphold Palestinian rights sh

COP21: hopes are high that Paris will be a turning point for climate change

As the COP21 climate summit approaches its final week, Mary Robinson and Gro Harlem Brundtland spoke to the BBC World Service about their hopes and fears for Paris.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Palestine Refugees in Syria: A Recurring Tragedy

Refugees for over six decades, Palestinians in Syria face a precarious legal status given the civil war and renewed displacement. Mai Abu Moghli – a PhD candidate at the Institute of Education, University of London explains how some are falling through

How young people can combat violence against women

Violence against women is sometimes justified by abusers and perpetrators as a matter of ‘honour’. In this guest blog to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, youth activist Arifa Nasim from London explains how she

How can we deter our young from the lure of violent extremism?

In the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut, the need to understand why our young are lured to violent extremism is more acute than ever. Our Middle East Analyst, Nigel Pearce recently attended a conference in Spain on ‘Preventing and Counterin

Four vital requirements to reach COP21 deal

World leaders are meeting in Paris to reach an agreement on climate change. The Elders have called for a strong, inclusive and equitable climate agreement in Paris. Here are four vital elements that The Elders are calling for leaders to resolve at COP21.

Ethical Leadership

G20 Antalya Summit: The Elders' letter to leaders on climate change

The Elders have written to world leaders attending the G20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey. They call for strong leadership to ensure an equitable and ambitious international agreement on climate change in Paris in December.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge G20 leaders to commit to a strong, inclusive and equitable climate deal

The Elders have written to the G20 heads of state and government on the need for a strong and just climate agreement at COP 21 in Paris.

Ethical Leadership

Who has the courage to protect refugees?

Hina Jilani, back from a series of meetings in Evian and Geneva, expresses her grave concern with the lack of political will to protect refugees during the current crisis and calls on political leaders to show more courage.

Ethical Leadership

Show political courage over the refugee crisis

The Elders urge European leaders to show political courage over the refugee crisis in a debate with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and the Director General of the International Organization for Migration Bill Swing.

Ethical Leadership

Refugee Crisis: how language contributes to the fate of refugees

Europe is currently facing a crisis of conscience as refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa seek asylum. Michael Diedring and John Dorber of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles explain how calculated use of language on the crisis

Syrian Refugee Crisis: towards new global coordination

On 27 October, The Elders will debate the lessons of the ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director General of the International Organization of Migration. Follow on Twitter: #RefugeeCrisis

Ethical Leadership

How can the next Secretary-General secure the UN's future?

The Elders mark the UN's 70th anniversary by pressing for a more transparent Secretary-General selection process.

Why is climate action a justice issue of our time?

As the final round of climate negotiations before Paris begin today in Bonn, John Schellnhuber, founding Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research argues that if tomorrow won’t take care of itself, we need to take responsibility

Ethical Leadership

The UN at 70: Has our global experiment worked?

On 9 October, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Hina Jilani marked the seventieth anniversary of the UN, with its High Commissioner for Human Rights at an event hosted by the United Nations Association - UK in London’s historic Guildhall.

Ethical Leadership

Building momentum on global issues in New York

Last week, world leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly. Four Elders travelled to the city to participate in the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals and host bilateral events on strengthening the UN.

The Elders and Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect call upon the UN Security Council to act to prevent mass atrocity crimes

Gro Harlem Brundtland and Hina Jilani joined others in calling for members of the UN Security Council to work collaboratively to enforce international law.

The tipping point for human rights

At 12.30pm EDT on Sunday, two Elders will be taking part in the 2015 Social Good Summit, in an event live streamed to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Tune in to watch it live.

Ethical Leadership

Four reasons why people think Iran wants the bomb

In the wake of the potentially historic nuclear agreement of 14 July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries, those opposed to the deal – in the US and elsewhere – continue to assume that Iran has been working to acquire nuclear weapons for years, an

One flaw in the Sustainable Development Goals may make the difference between success and failure

Frances Stewart, Emeritus Professor of development economics at the University of Oxford and former Chair of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy, wonders if the weak coupling between economic growth and sustainability will do enough to cha

Elders in New York: building a stronger UN

Watch live: On 26 September Gro Harlem Brundtland, Hina Jilani and Ernesto Zedillo join experts, diplomats and UN officials to debate how to strengthen the UN.

What is fairness in the 21st century?

The Sustainable Development Goals will be launched on 24 September in New York. Martti Ahtisaari considers one fundamental value that underpins them all: fairness. And asks whether our understanding of what fairness means has changed in the 21st Century.

Martti Ahtisaari: the mediator

Martti Ahtisaari discusses his life and work as a global peacemaker and the challenges that face peace negotiators in today’s conflict zones.

Securing a sustainable future

Writing for Project Syndicate, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Graça Machel call on world leaders attending the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in September to commit to putting the words of the Goals into action, justly and effectively.

Ethical Leadership

What do you see?

In our final film, the Chair of the Elders, Kofi Annan recalls a pivotal lesson where he was taught through a simple exercise to look at the bigger picture - a fundamental requirement when wrestling with what is fair in the modern world. Join our conversa

Ethical Leadership

The pot economy

With the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in two days, Ela Bhatt shows us her Object of Fairness. Send us your object on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

A dividing line

Jimmy Carter, in our fifth of seven films, describes his Object of Fairness. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

Brazilian dreams

Fernando Henrique Cardoso, in our fourth film on fairness, looks at events in his lifetime and explains the object that to him represents fairness. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

A warning from the frontline of climate change

Leaders of the Pacific Islands are meeting this week to discuss the urgency of addressing climate change. Judge Tuiloma Neroni Slade, former Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, believes that the best protection against devastating

A stronger UN: The Elders hold high-level talks in Liechtenstein

As the UN celebrates its 70th year, three Elders travelled to Liechtenstein to participate in high-level discussions on strengthening the organisation with a distinguished and diverse group of experts.

The Elders urge world leaders to take bold and decisive action on climate in 2015

Ahead of the UN Sustainable Development Goals summit, The Elders call on world leaders to agree on a common approach that yields a “radical and sustainable” plan to tackle climate change.

Ethical Leadership

In the third film leading up to the launch of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, Hina Jilani describes how important it is to be resilient when pushing for change. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

An extraordinary quality

Our second of seven films on fairness is presented by Mary Robinson. Below she explains why the UDHR is so important to her that she carries it wherever she goes. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

In our first of seven films leading up to the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals, Martti Ahtisaari describes his object and what fairness means to him. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

Fernando Henrique Cardoso: "Wherever democracy is at risk, there is Carter"

Writing in Americas Quarterly, Fernando Henrique Cardoso pays tribute to his fellow Elder, Jimmy Carter, outlining his relationship with Latin America, their friendship and his role a "great moral leader of our time".

Ethical Leadership

Gaza one year on: your questions answered (part two)

In the second part of our Q&A on Gaza Katleen Maes, Head of the Gaza Sub-Office of OCHA, and Tania Hary, Deputy Director of Gisha answer your questions.

Climate change: we cannot afford the new ‘normal’

While negotiations for a new global climate agreement take place this week in Bonn in preparation for COP21 in December, Filipino climate change researcher Mima Mendoza explains how a changing climate is devastating her home country and outlines why a str

Gaza one year on: your questions answered

Wednesday 26 August marks one year since the ceasefire that ended the Gaza war of 2014. However, one year later, little has been done to improve conditions in Gaza. We invited you to ask your questions on the situation in Gaza and passed these,

Your questions on Gaza - answered

On the anniversary of the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, Katleen Maes, Head of the Gaza Sub-Office of OCHA and Tania Hary, Deputy Director of Gisha, answer your questions on Gaza.

“Religion can empower women and raise their dignity”

Ela Bhatt argues that through religion women can often speak and act as one, empowering themselves in the process.

Iran: the complicated and uncertain prospect of economic sanctions relief explained

Legal specialist on international trade and compliance Eric Lorber analyses the obstacles to successfully lifting, and if needs be, re-imposing sanctions against Iran, and sets out the timeline of sanctions relief following the nuclear agreement.

A plea for Palestinian unity

Palestinian physician, activist, and politician, Mustafa Barghouti argues that political unity between the Palestinian people must be achieved before there can be hopes for peace in the region.

Israel & Palestine: Starting the peace process again, this time from the real world

Professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, Nathan J. Brown wonders if, one year on from the Gaza war, now is the appropriate time to internationalise the peace process.

Confronting the challenge of climate change is a problem for us all

Speaking at the Sommet des Consciences pour le Climat in Paris, 21 July, Kofi Annan reflects on what kind of world he will be leaving his grandchildren and suggests that change is not only in the hands governments, but also businesses and individuals.

Take action this Mandela Day

This Mandela Day, Mary Robinson encourages us all to take up the challenge set by Nelson Mandela to "make a difference - to help others - and inspire change", creating a better world for everyone.

Israel & Palestine: what role for the US now?

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben Ami argues that the United States must work alongside international actors to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

From fragile to final: how to ensure the Iran deal stays on track

Iran expert Ali Vaez highlights the accomplishment of brokering an Iran nuclear deal but warns that there are four major areas that must be considered for the agreement to succeed.

The Elders call for credible and fair presidential elections in Burundi

With elections in Burundi approaching, The Elders call for a transparent process which will allow all political parties to "campaign without fear of intimidation" and ensure a fair election and stability for the country.

The Elders welcome Iranian nuclear agreement as boost to Middle East peace

What would a transparent and democratic selection process for the Secretary-General look like?

A Secretary-General to represent all the world's peoples

Speaking at a debate at UN headquarters in New York, Mary Robinson outlined three proposals to strengthen the role of Secretary-General

UN report shows accountability is key to unlocking peace in Israel and Gaza

Writing in Haaretz, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Jimmy Carter welcome the UN Human Rights Council's report into the 2014 Gaza conflict, arguing that it is a milestone to ending impunity for violations against international law.

70 years on, a stronger UN is more vital than ever

The Elders call on EU leaders to unite in compassion to migrants

The Elders call on EU leaders meeting today and Friday to take a humane approach to the migrants crisis, arguing that member states should share the burden on an equal and fair basis.

World Refugee Day: where is our empathy?

Many of the 100,000+ people who have risked their lives crossing the Mediterranean are refugees, fleeing violence and conflict.World Refugee Day is a chance for leadership. It is a chance to give refugees our support.

The Pope elevates the climate debate in his encyclical

Lesley-Anne Knight, CEO of the Elders, considers the Pope’s encyclical on climate and hopes its message will serve to galvanise governments to take bold steps in the lead up to the pivotal climate meeting in Paris later in the year.

Refugees: the crisis of inaction

Martti Ahtisaari, a formerly displaced person himself, asks the nations of Europe to remember their obligations and respond to the continuing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.

Refugees & Migration

The Elders' Debate on BBC Global – the highlights

Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani and Mary Robinson took part in a live broadcast debate on BBC World to discuss some of the world's biggest issues, from Syria and Ukraine to migration and extremism.

Ethical Leadership

Watch the #EldersDebate

India and climate change: our record, role and responsibility

Hearing the Russian perspective

Six Elders were in Moscow in late April to meet President Vladimir Putin and Russian officials to hear their approach to a variety of current geopolitical crises, in particular the situation in Ukraine.

In pursuit of peace: The Elders’ visit to Israel and Palestine

Jimmy Carter and Gro Harlem Brundtland spent three days discussing the post-war political landscape with a host of experts, politicians and NGOs.

Without Gaza the two-state solution cannot be realised

Ukraine, Syria and UN reform

While in Moscow last month on an Elders' visit, Kofi Annan shared with Kommersant’s Elena Chernenko his impressions of the meeting with President Putin, The Elders’ advice on achieving a settlement in Ukraine and the consequences of failing to reform

Returning a normal life to Gazans

At the press conference concluding The Elders' trip to Israel and Palestine, Gro Harlem Brundtland delivers a statement urging a complete paradigm shift on Gaza and explains how the two-state solution would benefit both countries.

Peace and justice in Israel and Palestine: the need for a two-state solution

“Eight months after a devastating war, not one destroyed house has been rebuilt.” Gro Harlem Brundtland and Jimmy Carter say the people of Gaza deserve peace and dignity.

Kofi Annan: "We cannot be prosperous at the expense of the other"

In an interview with RT's Worlds Apart, Kofi Annan discusses peace-building and accountability, from UN Security Council reform to Syria and Ukraine.

The Elders conclude three-day visit to Moscow

From Ukraine to Syria and Iran, The Elders held talks on geopolitical issues with Russian officials, including President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.

Media advisory: The Elders visit Israel & Palestine from 29 April - 2 May 2015

Jimmy Carter and Gro Harlem Brundtland return to the Middle East this week, meeting with senior Palestinian and Israeli officials, civil society and NGOs to support the two-state solution and highlight Gaza's humanitarian crisis.

Why The Elders are returning to Israel and Palestine

Jimmy Carter and Gro Harlem Brundtland will revisit the Middle East in a renewed push to promote the two-state solution and to address the root causes of the conflict.

Media advisory: The Elders to visit Russia from 27-29 April 2015

On the first Elders' visit to Russia, six Elders are in Moscow this week to meet Russian officials about key foreign policy issues.

Women’s Rights in Pakistan: failed by a culture of intolerance and impunity

Following the recent publication of the International Crisis Group report Women, Violence and Conflict in Pakistan, Hina Jilani gives her legal and human rights perspective on its findings and on Pakistani women’s ongoing fight for gender equality.

Access to Justice

Climate justice: why is it relevant in 2015?

This Earth Day, Mary Robinson calls for the reinvention of 'business as usual' into a sustainable, green and people-centred approach, or risk endangering the planet for future generations.

Annual report 2014: Supporting courage where there is fear

Our CEO Lesley-Anne Knight reflects on the past 12 months of Elders' work and looks ahead to the organisation's next challenges.

UN Reform: selecting the next Secretary-General

How should our next UN Secretary-General be chosen? On 24 April, The Elders and the International Peace Institute teamed up to debate how we can make the Secretary-General process fair and transparent.

'The least we can do for Syria'

Writing in Project Syndicate, Lakhdar Brahimi highlights the horrors of the Syria crisis, including the recent thousands of migrants who lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, and calls on the public as well as politicians to turn apa

Supporting social entrepreneurship

This week, Graça Machel and Mary Robinson will be at the Skoll World Forum in Oxford to discuss ethical leadership, climate action and supporting girls' welfare. Watch the live sessions and add your voice to the discussion on Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome Iran nuclear agreement and urge greater cooperation across Middle East

The Elders call for swift implementation of the deal reached on Iran's nuclear programme and praise the opportunity to stabilise the region.

Israel and Palestine: the path to peace

In the wake of Israel’s re-election of Benyamin Netanyahu in March, the Elders call for all players regional and international to re-examine the two-state solution and to redouble efforts to find a path to peace for Israel and Palestine.

'Rebuild Gaza, and avert the next war'

Writing in The Washington Post, Jimmy Carter argues that an end to Gaza's isolation is essential for a future Israel-Palestine peace deal.

The Elders urge commitment and patience to secure an effective Iranian nuclear agreement

As leaders meet to broker a deal on Iran's nuclear programme, The Elders call on all political actors to give the negotiators the time and space to come to an agreement.

2015: A tough year for democracy and human rights

Looking ahead to the opportunities of 2015, Gro Harlem Brundtland argues that democracy and human rights are inextricably linked with a global response to climate change and gender inequality.

Shining a light on India’s poor

'Hariyali', a project initiated by Ela Bhatt's Self-Employed Women's Association, has helped give some of India's poorest women access to affordable energy. William French, Head of International Media at The Elders, explains why it has had such a big impa

Planning for disaster: solutions to the human cost of climate change

The Elders warn against political violence in Burundi and urge free, transparent elections

In the lead up to Burundi's elections, The Elders urge leaders and the general public to abide by The Arusha Accords to "entrench democracy and bolster peace and stability".

What can we do to change the gender equation?

On 6 March, to mark International Women’s Day, Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu hosted a Twitter Q&A on gender inequality and women’s rights. You can see the twitter conversation at #askElders. Here is the full transcript of the event.

What can we do to change the gender equation?

On 6 March, to mark International Women’s Day, Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu hosted a Twitter Q&A on gender inequality and women’s rights. You can see the twitter conversation at #askElders. Here is the full transcript of the event.

What can we do to change the gender equation?

On 6 March, to mark International Women’s Day, Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu hosted a Twitter Q&A on gender inequality and women’s rights. You can see the twitter conversation at #askElders. Here is the full transcript of the event.

"If we hold back women, we hold back society"

To mark International Women’s Day, Elders Desmond Tutu and Graça Machel took to Twitter for a live Q&A. This is a summary of how the event unfolded.

A temporary order: discrimination in East Jerusalem

Legal and human rights experts Shelly Cohen and Noa Diamond describe how Palestinians in East Jerusalem have lived for over a decade under a 'temporary', "discriminatory and racist law."

Women’s rights in principle, women’s rights in practice

Deeyah Khan, women’s rights activist and Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker, wants to see gender equality not just written into law, but part of everyday life.

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