World leaders must reject the path of chaos

Juan Manuel Santos

8 November 2024

Juan Manuel Santos reflects on his new role as Chair of The Elders, highlights discussions from the recent board meeting in London, and calls on world leaders to act responsibly amid escalating global conflicts

Juan Manuel Santos named new Chair of The Elders

Juan Manuel Santos

31 October 2024

The former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate will become The Elders’ fourth Chair

Elders Statements

Failure to respect rule of law risks collapse of global stability

The Elders today express their alarm at the escalating crises facing the world and urge leaders to uphold the rule of law

Elders Statements

The Elders call for strong international leadership on AI governance after Summit of the Future

The Elders call for continued leadership from the UN and member states to drive forward inclusive global governance of AI

As the global community looks to the UN for leadership, it remains increasingly paralysed

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein reflects on High-Level Week at the UN, calling for courageous global leadership and strengthened multilateralism

Speeches and Discussions

The current failure of leadership is not gender neutral

Mary Robinson delivered the Kofi Annan Peace Address at Geneva Peace Week 2024, calling for greater respect for humanitarian law and gender parity in leadership.

Reinforcing the multilateral system: Counting on Europe to keep us from the brink

15 October 2024

Ernesto Zedillo addressed the World in Progress Forum on the importance of multilateralism

Speeches and Discussions

The Elders honour Jimmy Carter on his 100th birthday

Elder Emeritus, Jimmy Carter, celebrates his 100th birthday

Speeches and Discussions

UN Security Council needs urgent reform to deliver leadership for peace

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf delivered a speech to the UN Security Council, calling for urgent enforcement of international law and reform of the Council to address escalating conflicts and prevent future crises

Elders Statements

Intergenerational Call to Action: The world is speaking, are we listening?

The Elders have collaborated with a group of young experts and activists to produce this Intergenerational Call To Action, highlighting key existential threats which require ethical, collaborative and long-view leadership

Existential threats: global public attitudes

An overview of insights from international polling and desk research conducted in 2024 on four existential global threats: climate change, pandemics, nuclear weapons, and artificial intelligence (AI)

Are we ready to lead together? A Critical Intergenerational Dialogue on Existential Threats

EVENT: A critical intergenerational dialogue addressing existential threats, exploring leadership across generations to confront the challenges of climate change, AI, nuclear weapons, and pandemics

Speeches and Discussions

A new approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is needed, grounded in international law

Helen Clark’ delivered an address to the UN Security Council on the situation in Palestine and the wider Middle East

A Pathway Towards Sustainable Peace in Palestine and Israel

The Elders call for a new approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that can lead to a truly just and sustainable peace.

The Climate and Nature Crisis: Proposals for Action

The Elders publish a policy paper on the climate and nature crisis. In it, we explore nine themes that demand close attention, present our positions and formulate a set of proposals for action for governments

Elders Statements

The Elders call for UN-backed independent commission to probe Venezuela election

The Elders voice grave concern at the worsening political situation in Venezuela and urge the UN to investigate the 28 July election

Leaders must translate good intentions into concrete actions and commit to meaningful change

Hina Jilani emphasises multilateral cooperation ahead of UNGA High-Level Week, urging leaders to take concrete action for a sustainable future

Elders and FLI launch new film series on existential threats solutions

A new film series exploring solutions to humanities greatest challenges.

Speeches and Discussions

However devastating the climate and nature crisis is, we are not helpless against it

Mary Robinson joined the G20 Interfaith Forum on Religion and Sustainable Development as a special guest speaker

Speeches and Discussions

Climate, Nature, and Conflict: The unspoken interactions that require urgent actions

Mary Robinson delivered a keynote speech on climate, nature and conflict to the European Consortium on Political Research at University College Dublin

Leaders must strive to embody Mandela’s principles to confront our shared challenges

Helen Clark calls for courageous global leadership and strengthened multilateralism to address the Israel-Palestine conflict and existential threats.

Elders Statements

The Elders call for bold action by world leaders to end Israel’s unlawful occupation

The Elders call for world leaders to enforce the International Court of Justice's ruling and bring an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory

اللغة العربية

The Security Council must evolve to prove itself fit for purpose in the 21st century

Ernesto Zedillo

Ernesto Zedillo calls for a limit to UN veto power to improve responses to humanitarian crises

Speeches and Discussions

The UN Security Council must step up to protect children in armed conflict

We are recruiting: Operations Officer

Elders Statements

The Elders voice grave concern at worsening atrocity risks in Sudan

The Elders voice grave concern at worsening atrocity risks in Sudan and urge immediate international action for a ceasefire and humanitarian support

Long-view leadership & climate justice: how Brazil can lead the world

On 28 May in São Paulo the Elders and distinguished guests met to discuss how Brazil can mobilise the world to deliver bold, just and equitable solutions to the climate and nature crisis

Speeches and Discussions

The actions we take today will determine the future of our planet for generations to come

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

At the 'Long-View Leadership & Climate Justice: how Brazil can lead the world' event, keynote speaker Ellen Johnson Sirleaf called on leaders adopt long-term, inclusive strategies and mobilise global efforts to tackle climate change

Leaders must act with urgency and resolve in the face of multiple, interlocking crises

Denis Mukwege calls on leaders to act with urgency and resolve in the face of multiple, interlocking crises

Mary Robinson reaffirms The Elders' call for global governance of AI

Mary Robinson concerned at lack of progress on AI safety.

Elders Statements

The Elders warn that failures of political leadership risk collapse of international order

The Elders today call on world leaders to uphold international law and prioritise multilateral cooperation to build a better world for current and future generations.

Long-view leadership & climate justice: how Brazil can lead the world

EVENT: Long-view leadership & climate justice: how Brazil can lead the world

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein reacts to ICJ ruling on Israel’s Rafah offensive

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein reacts as the ICJ orders Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah

Juan Manuel Santos hails Spain, Ireland and Norway's recognition of Palestine

Juan Manuel Santos

This morning, Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognised the State of Palestine. Juan Manuel Santos , who as President of Colombia did the same in 2018, hails this landmark step and shares his thoughts on the path forward

Mary Robinson welcomes ICC's pursuit of accountability in Israel-Palestine conflict

Mary Robinson welcomes the decision by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to apply for arrest warrants against leaders of Hamas and Israel's Prime Minister and Defence Minister

Leaders and citizens alike must take their democratic responsibilities seriously in global election year

Elbegdorj Tsakhia

Elbegdorj Tsakhia calls on leaders and citizens to remember their democratic responsibilities in 2024 elections.

We are recruiting: Interim Director of Communications (fixed term)

Annual Review 2023: Global Threats, Global Solutions

The Elders' 2023 Annual Review is now available to download. It highlights our activities from the past year, including the launch of our new five year strategy, our visit to Israel and Palestine, and focus on long-view leadership.

Courage and determination for peace must guide our response to global suffering

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf calls for leaders to live up to their global responsibilities to deliver peace and justice.

Elders Statements

The Elders call for suspension of arms transfers to Israel to end Gaza atrocities

The Elders call for suspension of arms transfers to Israel to end Gaza atrocities

Denis Mukwege joins The Elders

Mary Robinson Denis Mukwege

Denis Mukwege joins The Elders

Elders Statements

The Elders urge renewed international pressure to secure Ramadan ceasefire in Sudan

The Elders today urge the international community to match words with actions to secure a Ramadan truce in Sudan, as the worsening conflict leaves the country facing one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world right now.

Speeches and Discussions

Investment treaties must be aligned with climate goals

In a speech at the OECD Investment Treaties Conference, Mary Robinson urged for a wide-reaching policy and legal rethink to stop fossil fuel companies profiting at the expense of climate action.

When we recognise women as climate leaders, we support a safer world for all

To mark International Women's Day 2024, Mary Robinson reflects on her recent visit to the Self Employed Women's Association (SEWA) in India, and considers the pivotal role of women as leaders in tackling the climate crisis.

We need to see an urgent change of direction in global decision-making

In our latest newsletter, Ban Ki-moon reflects on the Munich Security Conference last month and calls for long-view leadership, a bold new approach to global decision-making that prioritises collaboration, compassion and accountability.

We are recruiting: Interim Head of Human Resources

We are recruiting: Communications Officer

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Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon & Ernesto Zedillo enjoyed a good meeting with @antonioguterres at @UN. They discussed global security issues inc. Ukraine and Israel/Palestine, how to strengthen multilateralism amid geopolitical tensions, & plans for the upcoming Summit of the Future. pic.twitter.com/lY1HWKn8Ku
— The Elders (@TheElders) June 27, 2024

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