Discussion with the Elders on building trust

As part of their visit to Cyprus in December 2009 Desmond Tutu, Lakhdar Brahimi and Jimmy Carter took part in a discussion on building trust in conflict-affected communities.

Fostering neighbourly support - The Elders in Ankara and Athens

During their September 2009 trip to Cyprus, Elders Lakhdar Brahimi and Gro Brundtland visited Ankara and Athens to better understand the views of the island’s most important neighbours.

Supporting civil society as peace talks enter crucial new phase

Gro Brundtland and Lakhdar Brahimi arrived in Cyprus at a critical time, just as the second phase of negotiations on reunification of the island began. The Elders met leading women from politics, business and civil society, encouraging them to press for a more active role for women in the peace process. They also met Cypriots working on reconciliation, who are trying to develop a shared understanding of the painful issues of the past.

Supporting peaceful Palestinian protest

"Non-violence is the only way of cleansing society of the tiredness, brutalisation and despondency it has been forced into." Ela Bhatt

During their first visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory in August 2009, the Elders visit peaceful protestors in the West Bank village of Bil'in, a Palestinian family living on the pavement after being evicted from their Jerusalem home, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah.

“Wonderful young people. They uplift you”

On the second day of their visit to the Middle East in August 2009, The Elders meet Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salaam Fayad. They also cross into the West Bank, where they meet women from the Qalandia refugee camp and listen to the concerns of young Palestinians.

Desmond Tutu: "You all humble us"

The Elders' first day in the Middle East, proved to be moving, thought-provoking, frank and inspirational as they met a diverse group of Israeli citizens and heard a wide range of thoughts and perspectives

Meeting Rabbi Ovadia Yosef

Fernando Henrique Cardoso blogs about the Elders' meeting with Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, arguing that we all have much to gain by listening to those we disagree with.

Mission to Sudan

“We chose to go to Sudan for The Elders' first mission because we could not turn our eyes from the humanitarian crisis, and we wanted to join with the many people around the world who have worked to stop the atrocities, protect the people, and contribute to peace.” – The Elders

Nelson Mandela launches The Elders

Nelson Mandela announces the formation of The Elders on his 89th birthday in Johannesburg in 2007.