Media Releases
The Elders launch NEW VIDEO for Mandela Day
The Elders – a group of eminent global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela - have joined the former President of South Africa in a special message of support for Mandela Day.
The Elders keep an empty chair for Aung San Suu Kyi
At their recent meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, The Elders kept an empty chair draped in Burmese silk for Aung San Suu Kyi and Burma’s thousands of political prisoners. Marking the 65th birthday of their fellow Elder, Aung San Suu Kyi, on 19 June, the Elders said the election process in Burma/Myanmar cannot deliver credible results, and called for a UN-led national dialogue
The Elders condemn Israeli attack on Gaza relief ships
The Elders have condemned the reported killing by Israeli forces of more than a dozen people who were attempting to deliver relief supplies to the Gaza strip by sea. Meeting in Johannesburg, they repeated their call for an end to the blockade on Gaza, called for a full investigation of last night’s incident and urged the UN Security Council to debate the situation with a view to mandating action to end the closure of the Gaza Strip.
Nelson Mandela is reunited with The Elders
Nelson Mandela, who founded The Elders in 2007, met members of the group in Johannesburg. The Elders, tasked by Mandela to be ‘a fiercely independent and robust force for good’ are holding one of their regular meetings in South Africa.
The Elders meet in South Africa
The Elders, a group of eminent global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela three years ago in Johannesburg, will return to the city from 28-31 May for their first full gathering since the group was formed.
The Elders: "The momentum for reunification of Cyprus must be sustained and agreement reached by the end of the year"
The Elders welcome the joint statement made by Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat yesterday. They call on the people of Cyprus, their leaders and the international community to sustain the momentum for reunification and aim to reach agreement by the end of the year.
Elders discuss trust and truth-seeking in Cyprus
Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter have concluded their visit to Cyprus, observing that talks on an agreement to reunify the island are making slow but steady progress. During their stay on the island the Elders met the leaders of both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and also held a public meeting to discuss issues of trust and truth-seeking in divided societies.
Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter return to Cyprus
Three members of The Elders will visit Cyprus on 8-10 December 2009 to offer their support and encouragement to all those working for the reunification of the island.
The Elders appeal directly to world leaders on climate change: “Strong leadership has never been more needed”
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 urge leaders to attend the climate talks in person.
The Elders call on Sri Lankan government to protect rights of civilians displaced by conflict
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.