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Speeches and Discussions

The international community must act responsibly on Afghanistan

Lakhdar Brahimi

7 September 2021

Lakhdar Brahimi addresses the UN Security Council on the precarious situation in Afghanistan and calls for unity within the international community to support the Afghan people.

Leading the Youth Climate Movement in the Arab World

Youth climate activist Neeshad Shafi from Qatar emphasises the important role the Arab region ought to play in climate action and calls for civil society engagement to ensure climate action is inclusive and open to all.

Elders Statements

The Elders deeply regret the postponement of Palestinian elections

As Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas announces the postponement of parliamentary elections, Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson express concern for reconciliation and democratic rights.

International actors in peace-building must be guided by humility and respect

It is only through working together in a spirit of solidarity and mutual respect that we can build peace, recover sustainably from the pandemic and tackle the other great existential challenges facing humanity.

The Elders explore hope, leadership and the COVID-19 recovery in a new series of the Finding Humanity podcast

As the new US President Joe Biden calls for unity in tackling the cascading crises of our era, The Elders embark on a new podcast series looking at the leadership needed to meet the challenges ahead.

Lakhdar Brahimi: “A return to the world order before Donald Trump is neither possible nor desirable”

While the crisis of multilateralism has been accelerated by the Trump administration, it has its roots in the attitude of the United States, which has imposed its supremacy since the fall of the Berlin Wall, flouting international law.

The Elders and The Carter Center Joint Convening with Diaspora Palestinians

23 December 2020

On November 19, 2020, The Carter Center and The Elders jointly hosted an online consultation with “Diaspora” Palestinian civil society leaders, analysts, and human rights workers based in the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.

The Elders condemn US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital as grave risk to peace

The Elders condemn US President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as a grave threat to peace across the Middle East.

Elders Statements

The Elders stand in solidarity with Pope Francis on peace, refugees, climate

The Elders met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday 6 November to express their appreciation and support for his work on global peace, refugees and migration, and climate change.

Lakhdar Brahimi on the political legacy of the Balfour Declaration

On 26 October, Lakhdar Brahimi joined a panel discussion at Chatham House, marking 100 years since the Balfour Declaration. Read his opening remarks in which he reflects on Britain's responsibility for political developments in the region since 1917

The Balfour Declaration: Palestine, Israel and Britain 100 years on

Lakhdar Brahimi to join Chatham House panel on 26 October, marking 100 years since the Balfour Declaration – a promise that immeasurably altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and one whose political and social impact is felt to this day.

The Elders applaud Palestinian reconciliation; renew call for end to blockade of Gaza

The Elders warmly welcome the reconciliation agreement reached by Fatah and Hamas as an essential step towards the full reunification of the West Bank and Gaza, keeping alive prospects for the peaceful emergence of a Palestinian state.

50 years of occupation: Lakhdar Brahimi addresses UN Security Council

Marking 50 years of occupation, Lakhdar Brahimi addresses the UN Security Council on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Did the UN fail Syria?

Writing in UNA-UK's magazine, Lakhdar Brahimi critiques the UN's diplomatic efforts to resolve the Syrian conflict, reiterating the role of Member States in empowering the UN to succeed and the parties to the conflict being willing to compromise.

Elders at the Munich Security Conference 2017

Four Elders attended the annual Munich Security Conference in February 2017 to tackle several contemporary challenges including the Iran Nuclear Agreement, climate security and the refugees and migration crises. 

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome UN Secretary-General’s commitment to fight sexual exploitation

The Elders welcome Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres' commitment to lead efforts to end sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers and applaud an initiative to place survivors at the centre of the UN strategy.

Speeches and Discussions

The Iran Nuclear Agreement: A Deal Worth Keeping?

Lakhdar Brahimi and Ernesto Zedillo consider the merits and consequences for regional and global security of the Iran Nuclear Agreement. They are joined by HRH Prince Turki (Saudi Arabia) and HE Sheikh Hamad (Qatar) in a panel debate at the Munich Securit

Refugees and migrants: part of our common humanity

Lakhdar Brahimi calls on leaders to approach the debate on refugees and migration with care and responsibility. Reflecting on the daunting challenges ahead, he remains hopeful that a better world can be built with the passion and commitment of the young.

The challenge of migration and security: a call for a rights-based response

Speaking at Sciences Po's Youth & Leaders Summit, Lakhdar Brahimi highlights the importance of security within the wider debate on migration and calls for nuanced, long-term policymaking.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome Paris Mideast peace conference, urge all P5 states to show leadership

The Elders welcome the latest international conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and urge the international community to play an active and concerted role to secure a lasting and just peace for the peoples of Israel and Palestine.

Lakhdar Brahimi to discuss migration and security at Sciences Po

On 16 January, Lakhdar Brahimi will join a panel discussion on the security challenges posed by the migration crisis at Sciences Po's annual Youth and Leaders Summit.

Elders in Berlin: recognising German leadership on refugees

In September 2016, Kofi Annan, Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi visited Germany to launch a new report on refugees and migration. They heard a range of perspectives on the country's response to the crisis, from Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn Aleppo bombardments and call for unimpeded humanitarian aid

The Elders condemn the continued devastating attacks on civilian targets in the Syrian city of Aleppo and deplore the paralysis of the United Nations Security Council in the face of such a brutal military assault, which has shown utter disregard for civil

Ethical leadership: a global challenge and opportunity

Our CEO Andrew Whitley reflects on a busy month during which The Elders launched a new report in Germany on refugees and mass migration, and held several meetings and discussions in and around the UN General Assembly in New York, including with senior UN

Elders Statements

The Elders hail Germany's engagement on refugee and migration issues

The Elders reflect on a two day visit to Germany, during which they met with Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and President Joachim Gauck, and launched a new report on refugees and migration.

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn the violence against civilians in Aleppo and back UN call for urgent humanitarian access

The Elders' statement condemning the violence against civilians in Aleppo, Syria; calling on all sides to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law.

Wanted: A strong UN leader and peace-maker

Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson call on the successful candidate for UN Secretary-General to serve one seven year term, to ensure their strength and independence. Writing in an opinion piece published around the world, they also urge P5 members to recog

Elders discuss Middle East with BBC’s Lyse Doucet at ODI

The Elders and ODI co-hosted a discussion panel on the Middle East with the BBC’s Lyse Doucet, bringing together world-leading research and experience to discuss all angles of the regional crisis.

Refugees question The Elders and UNHCR about their future

From alternative pathways to safety and resettlement to the prospect of peace in Syria, refugees in the Middle East have many questions about their future. Elders Kofi Annan and Lakhdar Brahimi join Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to

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Still fit for purpose? Elders’ UN proposals take centre stage at Sciences Po

Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi discussed The Elders’ proposals for strengthening the UN at the Sciences Po event which included contributions from several possible candidates for the next Secretary-General and touched on issues from terrorism to t

What will be on the agenda for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations

Livestreamed from Sciences Po’s Youth & Leaders Summit 2016 in Paris on Monday 18 January, Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi speak on The Elders’ call for UN reform the serious challenges facing the next Secretary-General.

World Refugee Day: where is our empathy?

Many of the 100,000+ people who have risked their lives crossing the Mediterranean are refugees, fleeing violence and conflict.World Refugee Day is a chance for leadership. It is a chance to give refugees our support.

'The least we can do for Syria'

Writing in Project Syndicate, Lakhdar Brahimi highlights the horrors of the Syria crisis, including the recent thousands of migrants who lost their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, and calls on the public as well as politicians to turn apa

Brahimi’s frank reflections on the Syria conflict – and its regional dimensions

Nigel Pearce, Senior Middle East Analyst for The Elders, recommends an in-depth and revealing interview in which Lakhdar Brahimi discusses his ultimately unsuccessful efforts as peace envoy to Syria.

Lakhdar Brahimi steps down as special envoy to Syria

"I’m sure that the Syria crisis will end. The question is only this: how many more dead? How much more destruction?" 
Announcing his resignation as Joint Special Representative for Syria yesterday, Lakhdar Brahimi and Ban Ki-moon gave a joint pres

Syria, a civil, sectarian and proxy war

"The biggest concern is that one day Syrians and everyone else will wake up to find that Syria has been completely destroyed."
Lakhdar Brahimi discusses the conflict in Syria, from the biggest difficulties he faces to what will bring an end to the war, i

Glimmers of hope: Elders talk peace in Washington and London

The Elders concluded their visit to Washington DC and London encouraged and impressed by US efforts to revive the Middle East peace process. During a series of high-level meetings, media interviews and public debates, they discussed the prospects for peac

Carter, Brahimi and Ahtisaari welcome US efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks

The Elders also warn that sending more weapons to Syria will only deepen the crisisThe Elders have been in Washington DC and London this week to discuss the Middle East peace process, meeting with policy experts and high-level officials including US Sec

The Elders welcome Lakhdar Brahimi’s appointment as Syria peace envoy

“We know of the talent that Lakhdar can bring to this peace mission, and hope that all of those in a position to help end this deadly conflict will speak and work with him.” Desmond TutuThe Elders congratulate Lakhdar Brahimi on his appointment as p

על המנהיגים הפלסטינים לשים את מטרתם הלאומית בראש

Middle East Q&A #5 - the Elders answer your questions

Gaza's blockade silences voices of women

Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson write for The Huffington Post following the Elders' recent visit to Gaza and the Middle East.

Video: Middle East Q&A #2 - the Elders answer your questions

لايجب أن نخذل شباب غزة

أوضح الأخضر الإبراهيمي واصفاً الحد المتأزم الذي وصل إليه مستوى الفقر في غزة أن المجتمع الدولي يجب عليه أن يبذل مزيداً من الجهود لضمان قدرة ا

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.

تقرير جولدستون وعملية السلام

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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
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