News & Insight | The Elders

Australia must do its part and lift its climate commitments

Amid a critical decade for our planet and ahead of COP26, Australia must commit to net-zero emissions by 2050 and pledge new climate finance, says Ban Ki-moon.

Climate catastrophe can be averted if leaders act now

The chance to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C is slim but still possible, says Mary Robinson amid increasing worries about a liveable future planet.

The Global North must uphold the principles of the UN Refugee Convention

Seventy years ago, the world made a pact to protect refugees: the 1951 UN Refugee Convention. Yet too many of our leaders are failing to uphold that promise, writes Ban Ki-moon.

Peacemaking after the COVID-19 pandemic

Juan Manuel Santos

Juan Manuel Santos reflects on how leaders must foster hope and anchor policies in empathy, solidarity, and a long-term vision of the common good, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The power of civil society in a post-pandemic world

At a time when the foundations of democracy are under siege, we must ensure a vibrant civil society to progress on pressing issues – from economic and educational inequality to racial justice and climate change, says Hina Jilani.

A human rights approach to global challenges

The world will neither rebuild from the pandemic, nor have any chance of tackling wider existential threats, until leaders once more instill a sense of hope in political and civic life, writes Mary Robinson.

Ban Ki-moon: The world should back a new approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Ban Ki-moon calls for a new approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and recognises the importance of the international community in ending the enduring violence and oppression in the region. First published in Financial Times.

Conflict countries and regions

Sri Lanka one year on from war

Reflecting in The Guardian on the one-year anniversary of the end of the Sri Lankan conflict, Desmond Tutu and Lakhdar Brahimi caution that genuine peace is more than simply the absence of fighting.

The women of Zimbabwe making history

Mary Robinson recently made a five-day visit to Zimbabwe with several eminent African women leaders. While there she witnessed an historic agreement by the women of all parties to work together.

One election does not change the political culture of a society overnight

Upon his return from Sudan, Jimmy Carter describes the atmosphere on the ground in the run-up to the elections and explains why there is still much to do in order to ensure the country's path towards a more peaceful future.

Arizona: The wrong answer

Writing in The Huffington Post, Desmond Tutu expresses his alarm at Arizona's new immigration law and argues that legitimising racial profiling in this manner is tantamount to stripping people of their rights and dignity.

تقرير جولدستون وعملية السلام

Peace can never be perfect

Lakhdar Brahimi looks back on his experience as a mediator in Lebanon and suggests that unity in Cyprus - even through an imperfect agreement - would be far better than the ongoing division.

מפגינים בלתי אלימים בכפרים הפלסטינים מובילים דרך חדשה

ג'ימי קרטר מעלה על נס את אומץ ליבם של הפעילים המשתתפים בהפגנות הלא-אלימות בגדה המערבית וטוען שתגובת השלטונות הישראלים נוגדת את משפט זכויות ה

A crisis in Sudan

In this article for The Washington Post, Jimmy Carter warns that Sudan's progress towards peace and democracy will be at risk if the international community does not act.

Sudan between peril and hope

In this article for The Huffington Post, Desmond Tutu and Lakhdar Brahimi write of the threat that failed states pose to international security and call on the international community to support Sudan in its move towards peace and democracy.

Gaza must be rebuilt now

Writing in The Guardian, Jimmy Carter argues that the suffering of those under seige in Gaza demands the bold action of Quartet members - Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations.

Following his latest visit to the island, Jimmy Carter argues that the current situation represents possibly the best opportunity we have seen for a solution in Cyprus.

Aung San Suu Kyi - Burma's Nelson Mandela

Commenting on Oprah.com, Desmond Tutu shares his reaction to President Barack Obama's recent push to bring Burma and Aung San Suu Kyi into the global agenda.

A legacy for our children?

Writing in the South China Morning Post and the New Straits Times, Desmond Tutu and Mary Robinson warn that the world can’t afford any more political procrastination on climate change.

Delighted to be back

Ahead of his return to Cyprus, Desmond Tutu blogs about achieving peace and reconciliation through honest dialogue.

Women: Showing the way in cooperation

Women's voices must be heard for Cyprus to become a more prosperous, secure and equitable society, writes Gro Brundtland.

Accounting for Gaza

Following the publication of the Goldstone Report on human rights violations committed during the Gaza conflict, Mary Robinson wrote an article for Project Syndicate, calling for a full and fair debate of the report's findings.

A genuine effort for peace

Writing in The Washington Post, Jimmy Carter addresses the points raised by Elliott Abrams' criticism of his earlier op-ed on the Arab-Israeli conflict and suggests why the American initiative to rekindle peace efforts should be supported.

Sri Lanka government must not ignore Tamils in camps

Commenting in The Jakarta Post, Lakhdar Brahimi and Edward Mortimer reflect on the end to the conflict in Sri Lanka and examine the conditions which must be fulfilled before the country can move towards a sustained peace.

شرقي القدس: الإهانة وعدم شرعية الإبعاد

رسالة إلى قرية بلعين

تكتب إيلا بهات خطاباً مفتوحاً لسكان بلعين: "اللاعنف... هو أفضل أشكال النضال السياسي الأخلاقي".

مبدأ اللاعنف في أعمال المعارضة في بلعين

تشارك غرو بروندتلاند أفكارها بعد زيارة قرية بلعين الفلسطينية.

The words of God do not justify cruelty to women

Writing in The Observer, Jimmy Carter argues that religion has often been interpreted to justify the persecution and abuse of women throughout the world - in violation not only of international human rights standards, but of the holy teachings that all th

A human rights agenda for the Obama administration

Writing in The Washington Post, Jimmy Carter argues that Barack Obama's incoming administration can restore America's moral authority by championing human rights both at home and abroad.

Rights demand strong institutions

Reflecting on the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Desmond Tutu and Mary Robinson argue in The Guardian that ideals must be supported by effective institutions.

Respond to Zimbabwe crisis

Writing in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Jimmy Carter shares his perspective on the urgency to act on behalf of Zimbabwe's people.

The way forward

In an article for The International Herald Tribune, Kofi Annan reflects on the recent G-20 meeting in Washington, D.C. and explains why aid and development assistance can contribute to global security.

The man of tomorrow

Writing in The Washington Post, Desmond Tutu describes his joy and wonderment at the election of Barack Obama and suggests what the incoming president could do to restore the moral standing of the United States around the world.

Amid the turmoil, do not forget the poor

Reflecting on the global financial meltdown in The Financial Times, Kofi Annan, Michel Camdessus and Robert Rubin argue that the response to the crisis must also address the needs of the world's poor.

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