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Marking Nelson Mandela's release: 30 years on

11 February 2020

30 years on from Nelson Mandela's release from prison, we recall The Elders' memories of their founder.

Speeches and Discussions

Mary Robinson: honour Kofi Annan's legacy by countering today's rising isolationism

Mary Robinson reflects on the life of Kofi Annan, the values that were the driving force behind his sucesses and the legacy that must be defended in the face of rising populism and isolationism.

Livestream: 'Our Shared Humanity': The Legacy of Kofi Annan

On 3-4 June 2019, Chatham House and UNA-UK are hosting a conference exploring Kofi Annan’s legacy for the future of global governance.

The Elders reaffirm support for Colombia’s peace process

The Elders today reaffirmed their support for the historic peace deal between the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and urged President Ivan Duque to continue to work for its full implementation.

Elders Statements

The Elders encourage full implementation of Colombian peace deal

Writing to the President of Colombia, Ivan Duque, The Elders welcomed his commitment to the peace agreement signed by his predecessor Juan Manuel Santos and encouraged its full implementation to further the causes of peace and reconciliation.

Highlights from #WalkTogether - continue Mandela's long walk to freedom

In July 2017, The Elders and civil society partners launched #WalkTogether: a global campaign to spark hope in the world and to encourage communities to work together and bridge the global fault lines of division, hate and xenophobia.

Mary Robinson addresses UNGA on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan

24 September 2018

On 21 September, Mary Robinson reflected on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan, during an address to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Speeches and Discussions

The Elders' Debate on BBC Global – the highlights

Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani and Mary Robinson took part in a live broadcast debate on BBC World to discuss some of the world's biggest issues, from Syria and Ukraine to migration and extremism.

Watch the #EldersDebate

Ukraine, Syria and UN reform

While in Moscow last month on an Elders' visit, Kofi Annan shared with Kommersant’s Elena Chernenko his impressions of the meeting with President Putin, The Elders’ advice on achieving a settlement in Ukraine and the consequences of failing to reform

Kofi Annan: "We cannot be prosperous at the expense of the other"

In an interview with RT's Worlds Apart, Kofi Annan discusses peace-building and accountability, from UN Security Council reform to Syria and Ukraine.

Kofi Annan: PM Netanyahu trying to 'sabotage' Iran talks

Kofi Annan offers his opinion on the US-led Iran nuclear deal in the wake of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech to US Congress on 4 March, in an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour.

It's time to put a price on carbon

Writing in the HuffPost Green, Kofi Annan and Ernesto Zedillo welcome commitments to cut emissions, but warn that the shift to a low-carbon economy will not happen without the accurate pricing of carbon.

Iran nuclear talks: the world needs a positive outcome

Ahead of the approaching deadline, The Elders call on all parties in the Iran nuclear talks to take the necessary actions for an agreement to be reached.

Kofi Annan tells West African leaders: the world must do more to help you tackle Ebola

In letters to West African leaders, Kofi Annan expresses his solidarity with the populations affected by Ebola, and calls on the global community to take a stronger response to control and reverse the disease.

“You cannot have sustainable peace without women”

How do we empower women at the peace-table – and how are they key to preventing conflict?
On Wednesday, The Elders held a public debate with women peacebuilders to discuss the role of women in peace.

Lowering the marriage age: a step in the wrong direction

“Such a change in legislation would undermine efforts to reduce poverty and improve the welfare of girls and women across Bangladesh.”
In an open letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Kofi Annan warns of the dangers of lowering the minimum age

How can young people join in the debate about climate change?

"When we're destroying the globe, you are the ones who will inherit it. Don't let politicians get away with it!"
On 16 October, Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson spoke on climate and ethical leadership with arctic explorer and environmental campaigner Parker

Climate: our responsibility. Now not tomorrow.

“We have a duty to be exceptionally ambitious... If leaders are unwilling to lead when leadership is required, people must.”As preparations begin for the UN Climate Summit, Kofi Annan urges us all to take personal responsibility to ensure ambitious

Kofi Annan: leaders are there to serve

What makes an ethical leader?Kicking off our new video series, Chair of The Elders Kofi Annan gives his definition of ethical leadership.

Mandela Day 2014: how will you be an ethical leader?

Inspired by the legacy of our founder, Nelson Mandela, The Elders are marking Mandela Day 2014 with the launch of a new video series on ethical leadership.

The role of media in promoting peace

What is the role of the media in promoting peace – without taking sides in a conflict? Martti Ahtisaari, Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson discussed this question at last week's Elders debate in Oxford.

The Elders urge international support for interim Palestinian government

Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter & Mary Robinson on 'speaking truth to power'

The Elders discuss what they mean by 'speaking truth to power’, and how their status as Elders allows them to – as Jimmy Carter put it – “go where we please, meet with whom we choose, and say what we believe."

Kofi Annan: "We cannot keep consuming as if there's no tomorrow"

At an Elders debate in Oxford last week, Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson respond to questions about climate change and urge young people to mobilise ahead of a major climate conference in Paris in 2015.

Ukraine clashes risk a dangerous 'tug of war'

Kofi Annan: Russia, US and EU should make common cause to defuse the Ukraine crisisThe Elders call for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

ה-Elders מריעים להסכם הפיוס הפלסטיני

The Elders urge the EU to deploy a stabilisation force in the CAR

“Europe must not lose sight of the tragedy unfolding in the Central African Republic” – Kofi AnnanThe Elders call on European leaders to fulfil their pledge to help protect civilians and halt violent clashes in the CAR.

The Elders urge world powers to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity

“The use of force and any further loss of life should be avoided at all costs.” Kofi AnnanThe Elders express deep concern at the crisis in Ukraine and urge all parties to resolve their differences peacefully.

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 in Iran: encouraging openness and trust

If leaders fail, people will lead

“People want responsible leadership. On big issues, they are not going to sit in their homes. They will act and press for action.”
Kofi Annan speaks to Subhabrata Guha of the Times of India, urging governments and grassroots alike to take tough decis

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 in Iran: "we must rebuild trust and mutual respect"

At the start of The Elders' three-day visit to Iran, Kofi Annan speaks to journalists following a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.

Uma chamada à liderança sobre mudanças no clima

"Todos os anos, a incapacidade em agir nos deixa mais próximos de um ponto sem retorno, no qual os cientistas receiam que as mudanças climáticas possas se tornar irreversíveis."
No início de um ano decisivo para agir sobre as mudanças climáticas,

Sympathy for the migrant

“States that tighten their borders encourage desperate people to take greater risks to cross them.”
Urging governments to rethink their immigration policies, Kofi Annan calls for a more compassionate approach to those seeking refuge or economic oppor

Elders in Johannesburg for Mandela's memorial service

"The world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice and a clear moral compass."
As the Elders prepare to attend Nelson Mandela's memorial service in South Africa, Kofi Annan gives a statement on behalf of The Elders honouring the life

Africans must walk to freedom in Mandela’s memory

Climate crisis: who will act?

“If governments are unwilling to lead when leadership is required, people must.”
Writing in The New York Times, Kofi Annan warns that a failure of leadership on climate change would be catastrophic.

Global drugs policy – time for a smarter approach?

“Putting people’s health and safety first is an imperative, not an afterthought.”
New approaches to drugs policy are being adopted by a number of countries around the world. This a chance to move on from the failed and repressive policies of the gl

“Reconciliation is a long-term process, not an event”

Kofi Annan visited Côte d’Ivoire last month to assess the country’s progress since the post-election violence of 2010-11. While welcoming promising signs of economic recovery, he urged Ivorians to work together to build an inclusive future and prepar

Kofi Annan encourages Côte d’Ivoire to step up efforts towards reconciliation

Despite progress, many challenges remain before 2015 electionsKofi Annan concludes a two-day visit to Côte d’Ivoire, stressing that reconciliation and justice are intertwined.

Africa’s bright future

Media advisory: Kofi Annan to visit Côte d’Ivoire from 9-10 October 2013

Press conference in Abidjan on Thursday 10 OctoberElders Chair Kofi Annan returns to Côte d’Ivoire to gauge the country’s progress towards reconciliation and the remaining challenges it faces.

The Elders welcome Syria breakthrough and encourage rapid follow-up through the Geneva II talks

"This agreement renews hope that diplomacy can still work." Kofi AnnanFollowing the announcement that the United States and Russia have reached an agreement on Syria's chemical weapons, The Elders reiterate their call for a political solution to the con

Syria: there is no military solution to the conflict

Let the young lead

“Any society that does not succeed in tapping into the energy and creativity of its youth will be left behind.”In a blog for Skoll World Forum to mark this year's International Youth Day, Kofi Annan calls for young people to be given the space

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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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