The Elders’ announce a new strategy to address humanity’s existential threats
The Elders outlined their new strategic priorities for 2023-27 at the 2023 announcement of the Doomsday Clock. The Elders' new strategy focuses on the climate crisis, pandemics, nuclear weapons and also on conflict (a threat in itself, and a risk factor for other threats).
Elders support peace and justice amid worsening violence in Israel and Palestine
Mary Robinson and Ban Ki-moon visited Israel and Palestine from 20-22 June 2023, on the first Elders’ mission to the region since a 2015 mission by Jimmy Carter and Gro Brundtland.
They expressed deep alarm at the growing evidence of a “one-state reality” of permanent occupation and repression of Palestinians, which threatens to become a system of apartheid without a rapid and radical change of course by the Government of Israel.
The Elders publish new policy paper on nuclear weapons
As the Oppenheimer film was released worldwide, The Elders published a new nuclear policy paper outlining the scale of the threat and proposals for achievable multilateral progress.
Helen Clark joins The Elders
The Elders welcomed former New Zealand Prime Minister and UNDP leader Helen Clark as the newest member of their group.
Her experience on global challenges and commitment to equality, justice and multilateralism will enhance the group’s continued push for courageous leadership on existential threats.
Martti Ahtisaari dies, 1937 - 2023
Martti Ahtisaari, joined The Elders in 2009 and was a hugely admired and respected member of the group, before becoming an Elder Emeritus in 2018. He contributed significantly to the organisation’s work on conflict prevention and resolution, joining delegations to South Sudan, Myanmar, North Korea, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
The Elders paid tribute to their dear friend and colleague.
He was a deeply admired friend and colleague who inspired us all with his dedicated commitment to resolving conflict and promoting a fairer world.
Dear President Biden: The Elders' open letter on Israel and Palestine
On 16 November 2023, The Elders delivered an open letter to the President of the United States, Joe Biden, on Israel and Palestine.
"Dear President Biden, You have a historic opportunity to help end the Israel-Palestine conflict - permanently."
COP28: The Elders welcome the beginning of the end for fossil fuels, but call for more urgent ambition at future COPs
In a statement released on 14 December 2023, The Elders welcomed the signal from COP28 that the fossil fuel era must end. But the actions agreed in Dubai are too little, too late. The Elders urged world leaders to take more urgent ambition in addressing the existential threat of the climate crisis, and supporting the most vulnerable.