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The Elders are an independent group of eminent global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who offer their collective influence and experience to support peace building, help address major causes of human suffering and promote the shared interests of humanity.

Martti Ahtisaari

“All conflicts can be resolved. Wars and conflicts are not inevitable. They are caused by human beings. There are always interests that are furthered by war. Therefore those who have power and influence can also stop them. Peace is a question of will.”

Kofi Annan

“No one can deprive us of the right, as concerned global citizens, to want to do something about the challenges that face us.”

Ela Bhatt

“There are risks in every action. Every success has the seed of some failure. But it doesn't matter. It is how you go about it. That is the real challenge.”

Lakhdar Brahimi

“We’re extremely careful not to claim that we’re going to take a problem and solve it. What we’re saying is that from time to time, in certain situations, a problem needs a little push.”

Gro Brundtland

“We are individuals who are speaking without any outside pressures. In that context we can create the potential for change.”

Fernando H Cardoso

“The Elders believe that what is important is not to continue to do something for himself, but to serve others.”

Jimmy Carter

“We need to form partnerships with people and organizations already there, doing outstanding work.”

Graça Machel

“I think The Elders can play the role of amplifying the voices of the millions of citizens of the world who daily are working very hard to make themselves heard.”

Mary Robinson

“Part of the wisdom of the Elders is to remind the world that we actually have universal values that are accepted by every government in the world and yet they are not being implemented.”

Desmond Tutu

“Despite all of the ghastliness in the world, human beings are made for goodness. The ones that are held in high regard are not militarily powerful, nor even economically prosperous. They have a commitment to try and make the world a better place.”

Nelson Mandela

“This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes. Together they will support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair.”

Aung San Suu Kyi

“Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.”

Latest initiatives

Cyprus

Cyprus currently faces its best chance to achieve reunification after decades of conflict and division between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The Elders are actively encouraging efforts to build peace on the island, and Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy carter returned to the Island during December 2009.

Middle East

Since the Elders were founded they have closely followed events in the Middle East. They recently visited the region for the first time as a group to listen to the people affected by the conflict and to offer their support to all those working for peace.

Equality for Women & Girls

The Elders call for an end to the use of religious and traditional practices to justify and entrench discrimination against women and girls.

Zimbabwe

The Elders are actively engaged in supporting initiatives to address the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe and efforts to build a stable, prosperous and secure future for its people.

Burma/Myanmar

The Elders support efforts to achieve a peaceful transition to democracy in Burma/Myanmar and the release of all political prisoners including their fellow Elder Aung San Suu Kyi. The Elders always keep an empty chair for Daw Suu Kyi at their meetings.