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Dear Friend,
Welcome to the latest update on the work of The Elders. This week three members of The Elders are visiting Cyprus, at what is a crucial time in the negotiations to reunify the island. While in Cyprus, The Elders will blog about some of the key challenges to building lasting peace and will invite others to do the same. For the first time we're also opening the blog for debate and discussion - find out how you can get involved below. The Elders have also been campaigning strongly in the run-up to this week's climate change talks in Copenhagen, and have written to the government of Sri Lanka to urge greater protection of the rights of civilians displaced by conflict in the north and east of the country.
 Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi are visiting Cyprus from 8-10 December 2009 to offer their support and encouragement to all those working for the reunification of the island. This will be the Elders' third visit.
The Elders will meet the Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. They will also host a discussion on trust-building in conflict-affected communities with members of civil society, business, unions, media, youth and women’s groups.
You can follow their visit and join the discussion on The Elders' Cyprus blog; Read Desmond Tutu's thoughts on returning to Cyprus.
 “Leaders of the world – as you prepare for Copenhagen, look into the eyes of your children and grandchildren and think of their future. Millions of lives depend on the decisions you will make.”
- Desmond Tutu
In personal letters to 192 Heads of State and Government, The Elders have called for a fair, ambitious and effective deal in Copenhagen that will lead to a legally binding agreement.  Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, Gro Brundtland, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and their fellow Elders urged leaders to attend the climate talks in person. Read The Elders' letter to World leaders.
Now the Elders are calling on YOU to join them by demanding a REAL DEAL on climate change when world leaders meet in Copenhagen this week.
Join The Elders and the TCK TCK TCK campaign, along with millions of people around the world, in a GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION on 12 DECEMBER.
The Elders have made a direct appeal to the President of Sri Lanka to protect the rights of civilians displaced after the government’s defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in May.
They have also contacted Sri Lanka’s donors, asking them to ensure that basic conditions for equitable, inclusive and 'conflict sensitive' development are put in place in the northern and eastern regions of the country. Read more.
In a letter to key members of the international community, The Elders have expressed their deep concern that, as the fifth anniversary of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement approaches, and with elections and a referendum also due, there is an increased risk of violence and instability in Sudan.
They have called for immediate action to build a comprehensive approach and for greater cooperation to address the numerous challenges that face the country as a whole. Any return to conflict would have a devastating impact on human lives and regional security.
Thank you for continuing to support the work of The Elders.
The Elders’ Team |
