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Speeches and Discussions

Nature must no longer be a silent victim of war

20 November 2024

Mary Robinson highlights the environmental impact of conflicts during the Ukraine Pavilion panel at COP29

Elders Statements

Failure to respect rule of law risks collapse of global stability

30 October 2024

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

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.

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.

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

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

Stand in solidarity for justice and climate action

As people across the US and around the world #RiseForClimate, Mary Robinson urges politicians and business leaders due to gather at the Global Climate Action Summit in California to heed their call for climate justice.

Kofi Annan will inspire generations – a tribute from Mary Robinson

Writing in The Irish Times, Mary Robinson reflects on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan.

Embracing Madiba's values: building a brighter future in Zimbabwe and South Africa

Mary Robinson reflects on her recent visits to South Africa for Mandela's centenary and to Zimbabwe as the country decides its future. 

The Elders call on all Zimbabweans to put national interest first as poll nears

Concluding their visit to Zimbabwe ahead of its pivotal general election, The Elders urge Zimbabweans to work together to ensure a free, fair and transparent poll on 30 July.

Media Advisory: The Elders to visit Zimbabwe from 19-21 July

Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson and Lakhdar Brahimi will visit Zimbabwe in support of those working towards an inclusive transition for the country.

Mandela Day 2018: Walk Together to continue Mandela's long walk to freedom

Join Graça Machel, Kofi Annan, Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson on 18 July, as they celebrate Nelson Mandela's centenary in Johannesburg, South Africa.

On climate action and healthcare, it is the young who hold the keys of change

Addressing graduating students at the Harvard School of Public Health, Mary Robinson highlights the interrelated challenges of climate change and health - and the potential of young people to seize the opportunity to deliver positive change.

How Massachusetts can blaze a trail for climate action

Writing in the Boston Globe, Mary Robinson praises Boston and the state of Massachusetts –and the role of local activism– for its record on climate action. She commends it as a model for the rest of the United States in the absence of bold or enlighte

The Elders demand Israel respects international law to stop further Gaza protest killings

The Elders call on the Israeli Government to fully comply with international humanitarian law and respect the right to peaceful protest of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip.

The Elders warn Brexit “hard border” could pose threat to peace in Northern Ireland

Hailing the Good Friday Agreement as an inspiration to others around the world, The Elders warn against the imposition of a "hard border" in the event of the UK leaving the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union after Brexit.

Why the rule of law is essential to justice, peace, and economic and social progress

Writing in Quartz, Mary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo explain the importance of access to justice and the rule of law as an equalising force, enabling the world to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. They call on leaders to show political will to make

The Elders call for urgent action on political and humanitarian crises in DR Congo

Condemning decades of failure, The Elders call for immediate and concerted action to provide relief and protect rights of the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Making migration work for all: developing a human rights-focused approach

Mary Robinson calls on the international community to agree new ways of managing migration that recognise the realities of our globalised world, respects and protects human dignity, and shares the responsibility and benefits of integrating new migrants in

Climate justice: a civil rights movement with those most affected at its heart

Mary Robinson calls for global solidarity and empathy with those most affected by climate change, putting the most vulnerable at the heart of decision making and urges a shift to a ‘1.5 degree mindset’.

Speeches and Discussions

Defending women’s rights in turbulent times

Delivering the keynote speech at the EU Colloquium on Fundamental Rights in Brussels on 20 November, Mary Robinson highlighted formidable challenges facing women's rights today and the importance of not losing hope.

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.

Mass atrocity prevention must be at the heart of the Security Council

At a UNGA side-event on preventing and ending mass atrocities, Mary Robinson welcomed and urged the implementation of the two Code of Conduct initiatives spearheaded by the ACT group and the French/Mexican governments to end such crimes.

Livestream: how can the UN Security Council end mass atrocities?

On 22 September, Mary Robinson will join a panel discussion on the progress made and the remaining challenges to ensure a more effective UN Security Council action to prevent and end mass atrocities.

Livestream: Mary Robinson to address Global Mayors Summit on refugees and migration

On 18 September, Mary Robinson will address the Global Mayors Summit in New York on the role of cities in meeting the global migration challenge. Watch the livestream at 10:35 ET.

Livestream: how can global citizens #WalkTogether to foster peace?

Mary Robinson and Ernesto Zedillo join Emmanuel Jal at "We The Future" to mark the International Day of Peace. Join the conversation by tweeting #tellTheElders and watch the livestream.

A call for bold city leadership on migration and climate change

Writing in Newsweek, Mary Robinson calls on cities to defiantly lead on global challenges like climate change and migration, especially when national leaders spurn their responsibilities.

Achieving #HealthForAll in Tanzania: The Elders' visit to promote UHC

In July 2017, Graça Machel and Mary Robinson visited Tanzania to promote progress towards Universal Health Coverage. 

Achievements, Ambition and Action: Elders promote UHC in Tanzania

Graça Machel and Mary Robinson visited Tanzania in July 2017 to learn about and encourage progress towards Universal Health Coverage.

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn political paralysis in South Sudan in the face of famine

The Elders condemn the political paralysis and failure of leadership at all levels in South Sudan in the face of worsening famine and humanitarian disaster.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge continued US support for Paris climate agreement

The Elders call on the United States to reaffirm its support for the Paris Agreement on climate change and show leadership and ambition in tackling the threat posed by global warming.

Secure climate justice by staying true to the science

In an era of cynicism within politics and the media, Mary Robinson calls for evidence-based science to determine the global policy agenda and expresses solidarity with climate scientists and those on the frontlines of climate change.

Speeches and Discussions

A New Vision for Multilateral Cooperation

In a speech to the 2017 Partnership Forum at the UN Economic and Social Council in New York on 5 April, Mary Robinson urged the international community to develop an entirely new paradigm of inclusive cooperation in order to overcome the world's greatest

Elders Statements

Moral outrage, political failure: The Elders deplore new famines

Condemning the famines threatening South Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen as a damning symptom of political failure, The Elders call on the international community to commit substantial resources to the humanitarian relief efforts.

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. 

Climate security: changing the narrative

Mary Robinson joins a panel debate on climate change and security at the Munich Security Conference 2017. Speaking alongside senior politicians from Finland, Bangladesh, Sweden and the US, she calls for leadership, including at the UN Security Council.

Moral and political leadership in a time of uncertainty

Writing in the Financial Times as the World Economic Forum 2017 opens in Davos, Mary Robinson says that millions of people feel left behind by the actions of governments and corporations. She rejects cynical populists who offer scapegoats instead of real

Acting together to secure a sustainable future

In a world of rising intolerance, Mary Robinson draws courage from leaders working to tackle the global challenge of climate change.

Speeches and Discussions

Bad weather: The Human Cost of Climate Change

Speaking at the Social Good Summit 2016, Mary Robinson explains the concept of climate justice, building resilience and ensuring adequate climate finance, in a session moderated by Julie Gichuru, entrepreneur and Kenyan media personality.

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.

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

"When the Security Council fails, the United Nations fails"

To mark the first World Humanitarian Summit, five Elders are joined by Amnesty International and the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect to call for veto restraint and increased cooperation amongst the Permanent Members of

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.

After Paris: what next for climate action?

Jenny Yates, our Programme Director, reflects on the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change by 175 countries and considers the road ahead for climate action.

Who are The Elders?

The Elders are independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights. They are not bound by the interests of any nation, government or institution. Join us to work towards a better future.

Gender equality and climate change: the vital link for success beyond Paris

From assessing the "people-centred" COP21 Paris Agreement and how those on the frontlines can help the world in tackling climate change, to ensuring that women are empowered to make their voices heard, Mary Robinson marks International Women's Day by high

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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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