Clear all filters

Leaders and citizens alike must take their democratic responsibilities seriously in global election year

Elbegdorj Tsakhia

Elbegdorj Tsakhia calls on leaders and citizens to remember their democratic responsibilities in 2024 elections.

Ban Ki-moon calls for an urgent change of direction in Myanmar

Ban Ki-moon calls for an urgent change of direction in Myanmar

ဗမာဘာသာစကား

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be key in determining future geopolitical trends

Ricardo Lagos reflects the global ramifications of Putin's war and how the US-China relationship will be key in the future.

Elders Statements

The Elders call for a criminal tribunal to investigate alleged crime of aggression in Ukraine

Mary Robinson Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Impunity for aggressors must end if the international community is to deter acts of aggression in future.

Elders Statements

The Elders deplore Putin’s nuclear escalation and urge continued NATO restraint

President Vladimir Putin’s decision to place Russia’s strategic nuclear arsenal on “special alert” status is a reckless escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a reckless threat to world peace

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon

The invasion is a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter that threatens to destabilise world security.

Multilateral cooperation is needed to tackle shared global challenges

4 February 2022

Ban Ki-moon explores how collaboration between countries is needed to tackle COVID-19, climate change and conflicts.

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.

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.

The Elders call for fair elections and inclusive, peaceful transition in post-Mugabe Zimbabwe

The Elders today called on all political, military and civil society leaders in Zimbabwe to work together towards free and fair elections and a peaceful, inclusive transition following the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe.

The Elders call for restraint and reforms after Kenyan elections

The Elders express grave concern about the political crisis in Kenya. They urge political leaders and their parties to demonstrate statesmanship to avoid further deepening the polarisation of Kenyan society.

The Elders express dismay at United States and Israel withdrawal from UNESCO

The Elders express dismay over the announcements by the United States and Israel that they intend to withdraw from membership of UNESCO.

The Elders call for dialogue and restraint over Catalonia crisis

The Elders express their deep concern at the recent violent confrontation in Catalonia and urged both sides to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

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. 

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

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome Iran election result as spur for peace and tolerance

The Elders welcome the re-election of President Hassan Rouhani in Iran as a sign that the Iranian people clearly desire peaceful relations with the outside world and a more tolerant society at home.

Wisdom Wanted: Elders discuss the need for ethical leadership

On 22 May, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Ernesto Zedillo & Graça Machel will discuss the need for ethical leadership and political courage to overcome the multitude of challenges facing the world today. Watch the livestream here and follow on Twitter: #Wisd

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

Elders Statements

The Elders’ statement on the death of former Iranian President Rafsanjani

The Elders express their condolences on the death of President Rafsanjani, one of Iran's most influential leaders and a strong voice for reform.

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

Elders Statements

The Elders’ reflection on the US Presidential Election

Our statement on the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.

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.

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.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge new compromise for Colombia peace deal

The Elders respect the decision of the Colombian people who have voted not to accept the peace agreement and urge Colombian leaders to find compromises which will allow all Colombians to unite behind peace as a national project.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome Myanmar peace conference

Welcoming the peace conference convened by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Gro Harlem Brundtland calls for the basic rights of all Myanmar's people regardless of race, religion or citizenship, to be a guiding principle on its journey to a fully democratic and peace

Elders Statements

The Elders urge SADC leaders to support smooth transition in Zimbabwe

Ahead of the 36th SADC Summit, Kofi Annan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Graça Machel call on attending heads of state to support a successful and inclusive transition in Zimbabwe.

Overcoming obstacles on the path to peace

Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile, draws on personal experience when he reflects on Colombia's path to peace and the tensions between conflict resolution and upholding human rights.

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 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.

After Myanmar's celebrations, the hard work begins

From building relationships with the military and ethnic armed groups, to satisfying political activists hungry for rapid change, Myanmar’s new government faces multiple challenges, argues our senior policy consultant, Matthew J Walton.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome Myanmar’s new civilian government

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

The Elders urge African Union to maintain efforts for peace and justice in Burundi

The Elders have written to the Chairperson of the African Union, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, in support of her efforts to bring peace and justice to Burundi, and urged her to press for a credible international security presence in the country.

Venezuelans to be congratulated for their deep commitment to democratic practice

The Elders congratulate the Venezuelan people on the recent election result and calls on all parties to address challenges that arise through appropriate legal channels.

How can the next Secretary-General secure the UN's future?

The Elders mark the UN's 70th anniversary by pressing for a more transparent Secretary-General selection process.

Building momentum on global issues in New York

Last week, world leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly. Four Elders travelled to the city to participate in the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals and host bilateral events on strengthening the UN.

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.

What would a transparent and democratic selection process for the Secretary-General look like?

Speeches and Discussions

A Secretary-General to represent all the world's peoples

Speaking at a debate at UN headquarters in New York, Mary Robinson outlined three proposals to strengthen the role of Secretary-General

70 years on, a stronger UN is more vital than ever

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".

Building a new state: an historic opportunity for Myanmar

In remarks at the press conference concluding The Elders’ visit to Myanmar and Thailand on 12–18 December 2014, Gro Harlem Brundtland gives an overview of the trip and outlines the remaining challenges in Myanmar’s transition process.

Why are Israeli voices calling for the recognition of Palestine?

As Europe prepares to vote on the recognition of a Palestinian state, leading Israeli scientist and political activist, Amiram Goldblum, claims that those who really care for Israel should raise their hands in support of recognising Palestine.
 

'Brave acts of wisdom': conversations with the Elders

“My Elders colleagues and I have had a chance to ask ourselves what wisdom our own lives, and careers, may offer others.” Jimmy CarterA series of Elders interviews with Japanese journalist Mayumi Yoshinari has been published today in book form.

Forthright and feminist: Norway's first woman leader

"Next time a woman becomes Party Leader or Prime Minister of Norway, she will not meet the same problems that I had."In an in-depth interview with Mayumi Yoshinari for Japanese political affairs magazine Chuo-Koron, Gro Harlem Brundtland discusses every

Brazil's accidental president

“Why are young people reacting against political life? Because of the lack of clarity, sincerity, and accountability.”Fernando Henrique Cardoso speaks to Mayumi Yoshinari for Japanese current affairs magazine Chuo-Koron about leadership and democrac

The only US president who didn’t wage war

“The Vietnam War, I think, was an unnecessary war; the invasion of Iraq was an unnecessary war… We need to be more reluctant to go to war."In a wide-ranging interview with Mayumi Yoshinari for Japanese current affairs magazine Chuo-Koron,



Keep up to date with The Elders’ COVID-19 digest:

Sign up to receive regular updates about The Elders’ activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will never share your email address with third parties.



Keep up to date with The Elders latest News and Insight:

Sign up to receive monthly newsletters from The Elders. We will occasionally send you other special updates and news, but we'll never share your email address with third parties.

Name *

Email *

Country

I agree to be contacted by email. Privacy Policy

Close 

Join the conversation

View our latest social content

Sign up to our newsletter

 Get updates with The Elders newsletter

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Elders (@theelders_org)

Home