“The UN vote can be a catalyst for genuine negotiations between Israel and Palestine on a more equal footing” – Jimmy Carter

The Elders commend today's vote to recognise Palestine as a non-member observer state, and express their hope that this result will represent an important step towards peace and security for all Palestinians and Israelis.

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.

“Dialogue is the only way to resolve differences and to build two viable states; military force is a dead-end, promising nothing but suffering and misery” – Desmond Tutu

In a meeting today with President Salva Kiir, and as South Sudan prepares to celebrate its first year of independence, the Elders emphasise the importance of building trust between Sudan and South Sudan.

Press Conference in Juba on Friday 6 July
Press Conference in Khartoum on Tuesday 10 July

Desmond Tutu, Martti Ahtisaari and Mary Robinson visit Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan to support the African Union-led peace talks and to draw attention to the growing refugee crisis in the border regions.

European Union should adopt a strong common position

The Elders announce their support for a UN resolution endorsing Palestinian statehood. The group has written to EU Foreign Ministers urging them to support the Palestinian appeal.

The Elders warmly welcome the resumption of official dialogue between North and South Korea and call on all parties to seize this opportunity to build confidence and sustain dialogue on all outstanding issues.

Desmond Tutu: Middle East peace process must be restarted along new, fairer lines

The Elders express concern about the United States' decision to veto a UN resolution condemning Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian Territories, and fear that this failure to take a principled stance will prove detrimental to the peace process.

Demands for freedom and respect for basic rights are no less urgent in West Bank and Gaza

The Elders urge Washington to support a draft resolution – co-sponsored by more than 140 UN Member States – that calls for an end to Israeli settlement activity, which is both illegal under international law and a major obstacle to achieving a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

One month after the people of South Sudan voted for secession in an historic referendum, The Elders praise Sudanese leaders for the smooth and orderly conduct of the vote while emphasising that North and South Sudan must work together in the coming months to resolve outstanding issues and address significant development, governance and human rights challenges.

After meeting the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities during The Elders' fourth visit to the divided island, Desmond Tutu and Gro Brundtland emphasise that greater goodwill, trust and compromise are needed to achieve a lasting resolution of the conflict.