Open letter to G20 leaders: Failing to act swiftly on Ebola outbreak in Africa risks a global crisis

2 November 2026

The Elders express deep concern over the unfolding Ebola outbreak in Africa and urge G20 leaders to step up their response.

Speeches and Discussions

Peace begins with our ability to recognise the humanity of others

15 October 2026

Denis Mukwege delivered the 2026 Kofi Annan Peace Address, calling for respect for human rights, accountability for international crimes and renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in the DRC and Great Lakes region.

Dear President von der Leyen: Ban EU trade with illegal Israeli settlements

The Elders delivered an open letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Israel and Palestine.

We are recruiting: Director of Corporate Services

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The climate crisis will not wait for the world’s geopolitics to improve

Gro Harlem Brundtland

In our latest newsletter, Gro Harlem Brundtland looks ahead to COP31 in Turkey and calls for world leaders to act courageously to tackle climate change.

The Elders’ AI Principles for Leaders

The Elders call on leaders to manage AI based on the following principles.

Mary Robinson and Helen Clark react to Israeli settlement trade ban by UK and others

9 September 2026

Mary Robinson and Helen Clark react to the steps announced by the UK and other governments to ban trade with Israeli settlements.

Each violation of international law emboldens others

Ernesto Zedillo

Ernesto Zedillo explores how the international rule of law benefits us in our everyday lives, and why we cannot afford to take it for granted.

Elders Statements

E1 is a deliberate Israeli attempt to destroy a two-state solution. Governments must act now.

E1 is a deliberate Israeli attempt to destroy a two-state solution. Governments must act now.

What we saw in the West Bank: Palestine is disappearing

Mary Robinson reflects on her recent trip to the Middle East and the realities she witnessed in the West Bank

Palestine must not disappear

Mary Robinson Graça Machel Helen Clark Hina Jilani

A statement by Mary Robinson, Graça Machel, Helen Clark and Hina Jilani following their visit to the Middle East, 11-16 July 2026

اللغة العربية

Humanity at the Threshold: A Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Weapons

Juan Manuel Santos Denis Mukwege

Juan Manuel Santos and Denis Mukwege were honoured to participate in this week's Global Nobel Laureates Assembly on Nuclear Weapons and AI at the Vatican, where they signed the following declaration.

Speeches and Discussions

AI must be developed and governed in the interests of humanity

Juan Manuel Santos

Speaking at a Vatican event on artificial intelligence and nuclear weapons organised by the Global Nobel Laureates Assembly, Juan Manuel Santos highlights the importance of ensuring that technology is developed and governed in the interests of humanity.

NEW PODCAST - ProHuman: Governing the Global AI Revolution

Mary Robinson Juan Manuel Santos Helen Clark Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

An eight-part series where Elders and guests discuss the importance of international AI governance.

The nuclear threat must not fade from public consciousness

Elbegdorj Tsakhia

Elbegdorj Tsakhia reflects on leading a country caught between two nuclear powers – and why today’s growing nuclear risks demand renewed public action.

Elders Statements

A UN Planetary Council could help tackle the global climate and nature crisis

The Elders call for a UN Planetary Council to help tackle the global climate and nature crisis

The world must not ignore the latest Ebola outbreak

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf reflects on leading during an Ebola outbreak and the risks of the latest crisis.

Elders Statements

When leaders flout the international rule of law, the poor pay the highest price

The Elders condemn escalating attacks on the rule of law and call on leaders to restore it urgently

The choice of the next Secretary-General could decide the UN’s fate

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein unpacks what’s at stake in the UN’s search for its next Secretary-General.

Annual Review 2025: Learning from history, leading for the future

The Elders' 2025 Annual Review is now available to download. It highlights our activities from the past year, including meetings with world leaders and visits to twelve countries.

Speeches and Discussions

The UN Security Council needs to change, before it is too late

Juan Manuel Santos

Juan Manuel Santos lays out a vision for urgent UN Security Council reform

Climate and the rule of law: why states must step up now

Hina Jilani explains what a proposed UN-backed legal opinion on climate change, led by Vanuatu, might mean for climate justice, the rule of law and human rights.

Governments must act now to manage AI for the public good

Elders and specialists call on governments worldwide to manage Artificial Intelligence with an urgency that reflects both scientific evidence and public concern

Elders Statements

War in Iran: Elders call for consistency in defence of the international rule of law

The Elders urge leaders to uphold the international rule of law consistently and to resist being drawn into unlawful conflicts

Elders Statements

The Elders urge progress on Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing Annex to secure a fair pandemic deal

The Elders urge governments to deliver an equitable and operational PABS Annex

International law cannot be “à la carte”

Chair of The Elders appeals for de-escalation in Iran conflict

Juan Manuel Santos

Elders' Chair Responds to US, Israel strikes on Iran

We must reject a world governed by raw power

Helen Clark reflects on Davos, President Trump’s Board of Peace, and the urgency of pushing back against “might is right,” as The Elders head to Munich Security Conference this week

Elders Statements

The Elders urge USA, Russia to halt nuclear arms race as New START expires

The Elders urge Presidents Trump and Putin to secure a new deal that keeps a cap on US and Russian nuclear arsenals.

Speeches and Discussions

We are only protected by law if we abide by it

Juan Manuel Santos

Juan Manuel Santos delivered a video address at the UN Association’s event marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly.

The expiration of New START threatens our collective security

Juan Manuel Santos

In our latest newsletter, Juan Manuel Santos urges the US and Russia to extend New START before it expires – our collective security depends on it.

Elders Statements

Elders warn against a return to a ‘might-is-right’ world

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders call for the rule of law to be defended following the US’ illegal actions in Venezuela.

Speeches and Discussions

The UN is only as strong as its 193 Member States want it to be

Elder Emeritus Ban Ki-moon spoke on behalf of The Elders at the UN Security Council Open Debate on ‘Leadership for Peace: Future UN Leadership’, calling for reform of the Council and the role of the Secretary-General.

Elders Statements

Gaza “ceasefire” rings hollow as all Palestinians face security catastrophe

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders warn that suffering for Palestinians continues, despite the ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages

Human rights protect what it means to be human

For Human Rights Day, Hina Jilani reflects on the power of human rights in shaping our daily lives and on the responsibility we all share in upholding them

Speeches and Discussions

Lasting peace must be rooted in justice and human rights

Delivering a keynote speech at the CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation’s 25th anniversary, Mary Robinson underscores the enduring vitality of the principles that guided his work.

Invitation to tender: Graphic Design - Social media visual refresh

Help take The Elders' online visuals to the next level.

Elders Statements

Elders warn against bilateral pandemic deals that could impact multilateral cooperation

Juan Manuel Santos

Elders caution that proposed bilateral agreements will damage global cooperation

Elders Statements

The Elders urge an end to the deadly conflicts in Sudan and the DRC

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders are appalled at the ongoing human suffering in Sudan and the DRC.

Without women, there can be no lasting peace

Denis Mukwege urges decisive global action to end conflict-related sexual violence and ensure women’s full participation in building lasting peace

Speeches and Discussions

The architecture which underpins our collective health is under immense strain

Speaking at the G20 Health Ministerial in South Africa, Helen Clark urged leaders to strengthen multilateralism and invest in equitable health systems, warning that global health is at a crossroads

Elders Statements

World leaders must step up at COP30 to strengthen climate action and multilateralism

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders today call on world leaders attending COP30 in Belém to show courage and ambition in the face of a worsening climate and nature crisis

Speeches and Discussions

Reclaiming Our Common Future: The pursuit of shared purpose in an age of division

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Gro Harlem Brundtland explores how the climate crisis connects to other global challenges and why global cooperation is essential

Elders Statements

The Elders call for Marwan Barghouti’s release to spur moves to two-state solution

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders call for the release of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti from Israeli prison as an important step towards reviving a lasting two-state solution.

Speeches and Discussions

The global health security situation today demands collective responsibility

Juan Manuel Santos

Juan Manuel Santos addresses the World Health Summit on the need for renewed multilateralism to protect global health

The UN must take the need for reform seriously

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein calls for honest reflection and bold reform to rebuild the United Nations’ legitimacy and strength for future generations

Elders Statements

US deal must stop Gaza genocide, end occupation and build a just two-state solution

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders urge all parties to act urgently and in good faith to achieve a lasting ceasefire, free hostages and detainees, and restore humanitarian aid.

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#UNGA80 | The UN’s recognition of Palestine is an important step but it cannot be the finish line. This is not the time to say “we’ve done our part”.

It’s the time to act. @HelenClarkNZ urges that recognition must be followed by real change on the ground. pic.twitter.com/KZnqPKCDnH
— The Elders (@TheElders) September 25, 2025

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A post shared by The Elders (@theelders_org)

ELDERS’ STATEMENT | The Elders urge USA, Russia to halt nuclear arms race as New START expires

Putin and Trump must act urgently to secure a new deal, reduce nuclear risks and protect humanity.

Read in full via link in replies ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/EoVpvPq54E
— The Elders (@TheElders) February 3, 2026

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