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Elders Statements

The Elders urge global co-operation to manage risks and share benefits of AI

The Elders today call on world leaders to work together urgently on the design of strong international governance, to allow all humanity to take advantage of the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while limiting the enormous risks.

Elders Statements

The Elders call for international condemnation of Russia's New START suspension

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon

23 February 2023

On the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, The Elders call on all UN member states to condemn President Putin’s latest efforts to escalate his illegal war on Ukraine through suspending Russia’s participation in New START.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome historic breakthrough on loss and damage at COP27, but call on G20 leaders to phase out fossil fuels faster

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon Graça Machel

Elders Statement: The agreement reached at COP27 in Egypt shows that solidarity and co-operation between nations on the world’s most pressing issues is possible through negotiation and compromise, even in testing times.

Elders Statements

The Elders stand in solidarity with Iran protests and demand an end to state violence globally

Elders Statement: The Elders today call for global consistency in upholding human rights, including women’s rights to self-expression and bodily autonomy, and freedoms of expression and assembly.

Elders Statements

The Elders warn G20: your failure of leadership is worsening global crises

Elders Statement: The Elders today challenge G20 leaders to do their job: to rise above their differences and find consensus on the leadership needed to tackle the inter-connected crises facing humanity.

Elders Statements

The Elders endorse IAEA’s call for safety and security protection zone at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

Ban Ki-moon Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders remain seriously concerned about the risk of a severe nuclear accident at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine’s and Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.

The Elders endorse IAEA’s call for safety and security protection zone at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant

14 September 2022

The Elders remain seriously concerned about the risk of a severe nuclear accident at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine’s and Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.

Elders Statements

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn Turkey coup attempt and urge all sides to respect democracy

The Elders' statement on the attempted coup in Turkey.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome new moves in Africa to end child marriage

We welcome recent action taken by leaders in The Gambia, Tanzania and Uganda to eradicate the harmful practice of child marriage.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge all sides to cooperate with East African Community efforts to resolve Burundi conflict

The Elders welcome the planned resumption of the Inter-Burundian Dialogue as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the current crisis in Burundi.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge leaders to fill $2.5bn El Niño funding gap

In letters to world leaders ahead of a high level meeting at the United Nations on 19 July, The Elders call for the filling of the $2.5bn funding gap to help countries facing drought and a humanitarian crisis linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon.

Elders Statements

The Elders troubled by UK’s vote to leave the European Union

The Elders' statement on Brexit; and call to the remaining member states of the European Union.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome announcement of terms for ceasefire in Colombia

The Elders' statement on the moves towards peace in Colombia.

Elders Statements

Ahead of World Humanitarian Summit, The Elders urge UN action to stop mass atrocities

The Elders welcome the first World Humanitarian Summit taking place in Istanbul next week as a moment to galvanise responses to human catastrophes, notably in the host country’s immediate region.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge UN Security Council to defuse tensions seriously affecting UN mission in Western Sahara

The Elders' statement on the tensions hampering the UN mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome Myanmar’s new civilian government

The Elders' statement on Myanmar's new civilian government.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome Iranian nuclear agreement as boost to Middle East peace

Elders Statements

The Elders call for credible and fair presidential elections in Burundi

With elections in Burundi approaching, The Elders call for a transparent process which will allow all political parties to "campaign without fear of intimidation" and ensure a fair election and stability for the country.

Elders Statements

The Elders call on EU leaders to unite in compassion to migrants

The Elders call on EU leaders meeting today and Friday to take a humane approach to the migrants crisis, arguing that member states should share the burden on an equal and fair basis.

Elders Statements

Peace and justice in Israel and Palestine: the need for a two-state solution

“Eight months after a devastating war, not one destroyed house has been rebuilt.”
Gro Harlem Brundtland and Jimmy Carter say the people of Gaza deserve peace and dignity.

Elders Statements

The Elders conclude three-day visit to Moscow

From Ukraine to Syria and Iran, The Elders held talks on geopolitical issues with Russian officials, including President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov and former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome Iran nuclear agreement and urge greater cooperation across Middle East

The Elders call for swift implementation of the deal reached on Iran's nuclear programme and praise the opportunity to stabilise the region.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge commitment and patience to secure an effective Iranian nuclear agreement

As leaders meet to broker a deal on Iran's nuclear programme, The Elders call on all political actors to give the negotiators the time and space to come to an agreement.

Elders Statements

The Elders warn against political violence in Burundi and urge free, transparent elections

In the lead up to Burundi's elections, The Elders urge leaders and the general public to abide by The Arusha Accords to "entrench democracy and bolster peace and stability".

Elders Statements

The Elders call for swift and decisive action in the Central African Republic

“I urge the Security Council to act swiftly and decisively and authorise the resources urgently needed to begin stabilising the CAR." Kofi Annan
The Elders highlight the worsening violence in the Central African Republic, ahead of tomorrow's report fro

Elders Statements

The Elders conclude fruitful first visit to Iran

"We are convinced that Iran can be a key factor for stability and opportunity in the region." Kofi Annan
After a series of meetings with the country’s leadership, The Elders are encouraged by Iran’s new spirit of openness and dialogue with the outsid

Elders Statements

Media advisory: The Elders to visit Iran from 26-29 January 2014

Kofi Annan, Martti Ahtisaari, Desmond Tutu and Ernesto Zedillo travel to Tehran to discuss Iran's relations with the international community.

Elders Statements

The Elders honour the memory of their Founder, Nelson Mandela

“Nelson Mandela stands as an inspiration to us all” – Kofi AnnanThe Elders are deeply saddened by the death of their founder, Nelson Mandela. They join millions of people around the world who were inspired by his courage and touched by his compass

Elders Statements

Child marriage and US foreign policy

Elders Statements

"نسير باتجاه دولة واحدة"

Elders Statements

بيان صحفي حول الزيارة التي تقوم بها مجموعة "الحكماء" إلى الضفة الغربية ومصر وإسرائيل

يعقد المؤتمر الصحفي في القدس يوم الاثنين الموافق 22 أكتوبر/تشرين أول يعقد المؤتمر الصحفي في القاهرة يوم الثلاثاء الموافق 23 أكتوبر/تشرين أول

Elders Statements

The Elders: the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan have brought their countries closer together

The Elders welcome commitment towards peace by Sudan and South Sudan, after the two countries reached agreements on oil, trade, a demilitarised buffer zone, and protections for the welfare and safety of their people. They urge leaders of both nations to b

Elders Statements

سوريا: الحكماء يعبرون عن "عميق غضبهم" حيال فشل الجميع في وقف المذابح

Elders Statements

The Elders pay tribute to Kofi Annan’s courage and dedication in his Syria peace effort

"Nobody could have taken up the mantle in such an unforgiving context, with as much courage, dedication and humility." Desmond Tutu
The Elders urge the international community to unite to help end the Syrian crisis, following Kofi Annan's announcement th

Elders Statements

الحكماء يهنؤون جنوب السودان بعيد إستقلالها الأول

Elders Statements

The Elders visit South Sudan in sombre mood and urge continued dialogue with Khartoum

“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 TutuIn a meeting today with President Salva Kiir, and as South Sudan prepares

Elders Statements

Reflecting on Mandela’s mission and the global challenges ahead

Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu visit London
Three Elders are in London this week to further their work on some of the biggest issues facing the world today. They will be engaging with the public, meeting parliamentarians and, in the spirit

Elders Statements

Rio+20 is not the response we need to safeguard people and the planet

“This is a ‘once in a generation’ moment when the world needs vision, commitment and above all, leadership. Sadly, the current document is a failure of leadership." Mary RobinsonThe Elders welcome provisions for global Sustainable Development Goal

Elders Statements

The success or failure of Rio+20 will be a defining moment for today’s youth

"There are 3.5 billion people under the age of 30 in the world today – half the global population. It is their future that is at stake in Rio, not ours." Fernando Henrique Cardoso
As world leaders gather in Brazil for the Rio+20 summit, both Elders and

Elders Statements

Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi in Sudan to support peace efforts

“Building confidence and constructive relations between Sudan and South Sudan is urgent” – Jimmy CarterTwo members of The Elders, former US President Jimmy Carter and former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi, met President Omar Al-Bashir i

Elders Statements

A Rio+20 deve resgatar o futuro, avisam “Elders” e os “Youngers” aos líderes de hoje

“Vocês devem obter sucesso onde nós falhamos” - Desmond TutuThe Elders lançam um debate global jovens líderes para inspirar a mudança urgente necessária para criar um mundo mais igualitário e sustentável, antes da Rio+20.

Elders Statements

Mabel van Oranje resigns as CEO of The Elders

The Elders have reluctantly accepted the resignation of Mabel van Oranje as Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, with immediate effect.

Elders Statements

Côte d’Ivoire : Les Elders demandent une action plus résolue en faveur de la réconciliation

« Je ne soulignerai jamais assez l’importance d’un processus de réconciliation qui n’exclut personne. Voilà qui pourrait changer le climat en Côte d’Ivoire, pour le meilleur et pour toujours. » Desmond TutuUn an après leur visite en C

Elders Statements

الحكماء يدعون رئيسي السودان وجنوب السودان للعودة إلى طاولة المفاوضات

الحوار وحده قادر على تفادي كارثة إنسانية أخرى
حذر الحكماء من أزمة إنسانية محتملة بعد اندلاع اشتباكات حدودية مؤخرا بين السودان وجنوب السودا

Elders Statements

The Elders congratulate Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of her appearance in parliament in Burma/Myanmar

“We pray that Aung San Suu Kyi and her country are now on a path to freedom” – Desmond Tutu
After pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was elected to parliament in Burma/Myanmar, The Elders welcome the positive reforms taking place and announce th

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome US-North Korea agreement on nuclear moratorium and food aid to North Korean people

The Elders welcome the news that North Korea has agreed to suspend its nuclear activities. They also commend the United States on its decision to send much-needed food aid to the North Korean population, and express hope that dialogue and trust-building b

Elders Statements

منظمة الحكماء تدعو إلى وقف فوري للعنف في سوريا

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