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.

Earlier this week, four Elders appeared on BBC World’s Global with Matthew Amroliwala, a TV show broadcast to over 200 countries.

Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani and Mary Robinson fielded questions from social media and from a studio audience of young people from around the world.

What would you ask @TheElders? We'll ask your questions during #EldersDebate on @BBCWorld TV, June 2, 1500 GMT pic.twitter.com/LWkIFXszZR

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) May 30, 2015

One member of the audience asked the Elders: who is responsible for acting against the rise of Islamic State?

The resounding answer they gave was that this issue unites everyone. Kofi Annan called for a coalition to bring together the regional powers – Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey – with the United States and members of the UN Security Council.

"We cannot allow #IS to continue their brutality unchecked. We need a coalition of US and regional powers" @KofiAnnan #EldersDebate

— The Elders (@TheElders) June 2, 2015

While Jimmy Carter said:

Jimmy Carter: "IS is a perfect example for the UNSC to act in unity. Russia fears Islamic State as much as anyone else" #EldersDebate

— Matthew Amroliwala (@AmroliwalaBBC) June 2, 2015

Hina Jilani added, when the discussion turned to balancing religion in the region:

“It is not about religion, it is about control. The extreme brutality that people are experiencing at the hands of the group is not because of religion.”

On the topic of migration, the Elders were pragmatic. Jimmy Carter urged Europe to take greater steps to solve the crisis while Kofi Annan emphasised the inevitability of migration.

Some believe migration can be stopped. You cannot stop migration, you can only manage it effectively. #EldersDebate #BBC

— Kofi Annan (@KofiAnnan) June 2, 2015

Mary Robinson highlighted the link between migration and refugees from climate change, utlimately stressing:

'We need to remember that our common humanity. These #migrants are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers' - Mary Robinson #EldersDebate

— Michael Boampong (@mickay360) June 2, 2015

Asked about their recent visit to Russia and the outlook for Ukraine, Jimmy Carter stated his belief in President Putin's support for the Minsk II agreement.

Implement the Minsk II agreement. This would mean peace between eastern & western parts of #Ukraine -JC #EldersDebate pic.twitter.com/P4YBj5SwZy

— The Elders (@TheElders) June 2, 2015

The debate ended with each Elder being asked what advice they'd give their 18-year-old self. Each Elder answered differently:

I wish I had paid more attention to #climatechange - Hina Jilani on when she was young #EldersDebate @AmroliwalaBBC

— The Elders (@TheElders) June 2, 2015

Mary Robinson's advice was to "Seek forgiveness, not permission." She added that people should be "pushing the button" – taking actions into their own hands instead of waiting for others.

@KofiAnnan: You are never too young to lead, never too young to do what you believe is right. #EldersDebate #BBC""

— Mazala Zulu (@guide2mentor) June 2, 2015

Jimmy Carter's advice was to himself when he first became a leader:

"Make sure the US becomes the champion of peace and human rights in the world. I don’t think we’ve met that standard but it’s not too late, perhaps."

Watch the full debate: