Desmond Tutu steps down after six years
Gro Harlem Brundtland becomes Deputy Chair

The Elders celebrate the "compassion, ethical leadership and belief in undying hope" that Desmond Tutu has championed, and look ahead to the growth of the organisation under Kofi Annan's chairmanship.

Press conference in Jerusalem on Monday 22 October
Press conference in Cairo on Tuesday 23 October

Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson will visit Israel, the West Bank and Egypt. While in the Middle East they aim to draw attention to the imperilled two-state solution and lend their support to the Egyptian democratic transition.

The Elders bring health leaders together and call for a shared commitment to strengthening national health systems around the world.