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Elders Statements

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

7 November 2022

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.

Young Justice Leaders: an intergenerational call for justice for all

Mary Robinson joined the Young Justice Leaders at the World Justice Forum to discuss commitments towards justice for all.

Speeches and Discussions

We must work together to make justice for all a reality

At the World Justice Forum, Mary Robinson reiterates the need for inclusive, intergenerational, people-centered justice systems.

No climate action without climate education

Jordan Madden is a young climate activist from the US. He explains why climate education is the basis for climate action. Foreword by Mary Robinson.

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.

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.

“Days marked by death tolls”: Finding hope amid global despair

Youth climate activist Nikayla Jefferson from California writes about her experience as a Black, queer woman in the youth climate movement and how, for her, the climate crisis is one of many existential threats.

Livestream: #WalkTogether to Fight Inequality

The Elders will join the Fight Inequality Alliance and Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity at the LSE, on Tuesday 17 April to honour grassroots movements working to end inequality.

Celebrating the global movement for women’s rights, equality and justice

As this year’s International Women’s Day approaches, Hina Jilani reflects on the impressive achievements of global women’s protest movements over the past year and the barriers that remain to overcome.

Elders Statements

The Elders mourn the death of Asma Jahangir

The Elders' statement on the untimely death of Pakistani lawyer and internationally respected human rights defender Asma Jahangir.

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

Citizen power can generate the political will for Universal Health Coverage

Ricardo Lagos reflects on his experience as President of Chile, highlighting the vital role of citizen demand to generate the political commitment needed to realise health for all at the UHC Forum public event in Tokyo.

Livestream: Rising for our right to Universal Health Coverage

On 14 December, Ricardo Lagos joined world leaders, youth advocates and civil society to call for all political leaders to make Universal Health Coverage their top priority at the Universal Health Coverage Forum's public event in Tokyo.

How Nelson Mandela's legacy can help us #WalkTogether towards a freer, fairer world

2018 marks 100 years since Nelson Mandela's birth. Graça Machel and Richard Branson reflect on global challenges and call on individuals to #WalkTogether for a freer, fairer world. First published in The Economist's The World in 2018.

#WalkTogether for Health for All: bringing the global debate to the US

Joining policymakers, health professionals and civil society partners on 8 November in New York, Ban Ki-moon and Gro Brundtland called for courageous political leadership to ensure that when it comes to health coverage, no American is left behind.

Progressive leaders must #WalkTogether for Health For All in the United States

Addressing a historic gathering of policymakers, health professionals and civil society in New York on 8 November, Gro Harlem Brundtland called for progressive leaders to lead the charge and promote policies that bring people together to deliver universal

#WalkTogether for Health: building momentum in the US and around the world

On 8 November, Ban Ki-moon and Gro Brundtland will #WalkTogether for Health for All at the historic Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Follow the event on Twitter from 16:30 EST.

Everyone must ensure a more peaceful world for future generations

Following his first Elders' board meeting and conversation with the British Council's future young leaders, Ban Ki-moon reflects on the need to ensure a more peaceful world to allow younger generations to meet their potential to the fullest extent.

The Elders and young leaders #WalkTogether through London for global peace

On 23 October, six Elders joined young leaders in a walk through central London for peace, tolerance and solidarity. They then joined members of the British Council's Future Leaders Connect programme for a panel discussion.

The Elders call on Myanmar to allow return of displaced Rohingya

The Elders urge the government of Myanmar and military leaders to end all military operations and to fully implement the final report of the Rakhine Commission in order to allow hundreds of thousands of displaced Rohingya to return to their homes.

Solidarity must be at the heart of our Walk Together

Reflecting on the power of solidarity and empathy, Ernesto Zedillo urges people to take action and demand that leaders end the suffering of victims of natural disasters, conflicts and violence across the world.

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.

The Elders launch #WalkTogether campaign in Cape Town

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.

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.

Anger and inspiration: what District Six can teach South Africa’s young generation

Writing ahead of International Youth Day, student volunteer Jordan Pieters reflects on The Elders' visit to District Six and the crucial role the museum plays in confronting historic and contemporary injustice in post-apartheid South Africa. 

Why we must Walk Together for our global freedoms

Ricardo Lagos reflects on the launch of the Walk Together campaign and calls for sustained commitment to counter the threats that face global freedoms today.

The global rise of nationalism is a threat to Nelson Mandela’s achievements

Writing in The Guardian to mark The Elders' tenth anniversary, Graça Machel defends human rights for making our democracy stronger and calls for threats to democratic freedoms to be challenged by bipartisan politics based on truth and tolerance

#WalkTogether campaign launch – livestream

On 18 July, The Elders marked their 10th birthday by launching #WalkTogether – a global campaign to help bridge the global faultlines of division, hate and xenophobia. Watch the livestream here.

Mandela's vision for a better world

This short documentary tells the story of The Elders' first ten years. Featuring previously unseen footage of their initial meeting with their founder, Nelson Mandela, the Elders reflect on Madiba's mandate, the group's formation and impact and how they w

10 Years Young, 100 Years Courageous

Reflecting on our past achievement and future commitments, Graça Machel invites you all to celebrate The Elders' 10th anniversary on July 18 by joining the Walk Together campaign and continuing Madiba's long walk to freedom.

Climate inaction: an unconscionable betrayal of future generations

Following The Elders' board meeting, Martti Ahtisaari reflects on the importance of maintaining multilateralism at the heart of international relations in order to overcome today's greatest challenges, particularly climate change.

Annual Review 2016: Solidarity Beyond Borders

The Elders have published their latest Annual Review. From launching a campaign for Universal Health Coverage to promoting a coordinated international response to refugees and mass migration, read highlights of The Elders’ work from 2016.

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.

Resilience creates results: why human rights defenders persist

Speaking at London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Hina Jilani highlights the key role that human rights defenders play in preserving human rights as a universal value.

Five ways to realise and protect women’s rights

To mark International Women’s Day, we highlight five perspectives on how to achieve gender equality, including on maintaining the momentum in challenging times and the importance of engaging men and boys.

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

We need to safeguard civic space

Danny Sriskandarajah, Secretary-General of CIVICUS, marks Human Rights Day by reflecting on civil society's successes and challenges, noting the declining space for citizens to organise and mobilise and calling for the need to construct a progressive narr

Five ways to end violence against women

One in three women worldwide will experience violence in their lifetime. To mark the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we present five different perspectives from members of The Elders over the past ten years, touchin

Ready, steady, action! Finland proceeds with the 2030 Agenda

As the work to secure climate progress continues at the Marrakech Climate Change Conference (COP22), Marja Innanen, Deputy Secretary General of the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development (FNCSD), argues that the SDGs are "a mirror" reflect

Elders Statements

Ela Bhatt steps down from The Elders

Ela Bhatt, member of The Elders since its founding in 2007 will step down on 1 November 2016.

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.

Accelerating progress toward UHC by 2030

Last month in New York, Gro Harlem Brundtland spoke alongside global health leaders including Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO and the health ministers of South Africa and Thailand, during which she called for courageous leadership to achieve Univer

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

Building a culture of inclusivity in a diverse society

Delivering the 6th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, Hina Jilani stresses the importance of ethical leadership and exhorts world leaders to comply with human rights norms and the rule of law when addressing peace and security issues.

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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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