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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

This is President Lula’s moment to cement his status as a global climate leader

Graça Machel Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

19 November 2024

Graça Machel and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf write for Le Monde Diplomatique Brasil, urging President Lula to lead the G20 in advancing climate justice

Graça Machel warns of signs of ethnic cleansing in Gaza

Graça Machel warns of alarming signs of ethnic cleansing in Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian catastrophe

World leaders must reject the path of chaos

Juan Manuel Santos

Juan Manuel Santos reflects on his new role as Chair of The Elders, highlights discussions from the recent board meeting in London, and calls on world leaders to act responsibly amid escalating global conflicts

Juan Manuel Santos named new Chair of The Elders

Juan Manuel Santos

The former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate will become The Elders’ fourth Chair

Elders Statements

Failure to respect rule of law risks collapse of global stability

The Elders today express their alarm at the escalating crises facing the world and urge leaders to uphold the rule of law

The Elders call for strong international leadership on AI governance after Summit of the Future

21 October 2024

The Elders call for continued leadership from the UN and member states to drive forward inclusive global governance of AI

Elders Statements

Speeches and Discussions

Human rights are a key tool to protect the vulnerable against climate change

Mary Robinson highlights the enduring relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in protecting the vulnerable against the effects of climate change as we mark the 70th Anniversary of the UDHR.

Speeches and Discussions

Discrimination: human rights are a preventative tool

Hina Jilani highlights the role of human rights in the struggle against discrimination as we mark the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Ban Ki-moon: IPCC's report exposes how Trump is wrong about climate change

Writing in TIME, Ban Ki-moon calls for concerted action on climate change from leaders in the wake of the IPCC Special Report on 1.5 degrees.

Elders Statements

The Elders demand urgent action to meet 1.5 degrees target and avert climate disaster

Alarmed by the IPCC Special Report on 1.5 degrees, The Elders call on world leaders to take radical action to curb global emissions and end all reliance on fossil fuels.

1.5ºC: Urgent changes needed to reach target

Reflecting on his recent visit to California for the Global Climate Action Summit, and following the publication of a critical IPCC report on the impact of 1.5ºC of warming, Ricardo Lagos urges us to stand in solidarity with fellow citizens and future ge

Five reasons climate change is the greatest existential threat of our time

The Elders explain why urgent climate action is needed now not tomorrow.

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.

Speeches and Discussions

Graça Machel speaks truth to power at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit

Addressing the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit at the 73rd UN General Assembly in New York on 24 September, Graça Machel reflects on the purpose and relevance of an empowered United Nations dedicated to achieving a better world for all. 

Speeches and Discussions

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

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

Ban Ki-moon addresses UNGA on the life and legacy Kofi Annan

On 21 September, Ban Ki-moon reflected on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan, his predecessor at the United Nations, during an address to the UN General Assembly in New York.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge world leaders to step up efforts to eradicate tuberculosis

In letters to world leaders, the Elders call for real political and financial commitment to end TB - the number one infectious disease killer in the world.

California must remain a beacon on climate and health

Ban Ki-moon highlights the interconnected challenges of climate change and health in major Elders speech.

The Refugee Crisis Is a Test of Our Collective Conscience

Drawing on his own experiences of being a child refugee during the Korean War, Ban Ki-moon calls on world leaders to increase political will to address the refugee and migrant crisis. First published in the New York Times.

Elders Statements

Decisive action from Russia, Iran and Turkey required to avoid needless deaths in Idlib siege, Elders warn

Fearing an imminent large-scale offensive, The Elders strongly urge Iran, Russia and Turkey to overcome recent differences and work together to prevent heavy civilian casualties in Syria’s Idlib region.

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.

Elders Statements

The Elders commend Indian leaders for ambitious healthcare reforms

Concluding a visit to India, The Elders commend the country’s leaders at national and state level for a series of ambitious health reforms and urge collaboration to deliver Health For All.

Myths and Fantasies about the Palestinian Refugees and the United Nations

In this guest blog, Andrew Whitley, former senior UNRWA official and Policy Director at The Elders from 2011-16, examines the likely impacts of the recent US decision to halt funding to the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge increased public financing and political will to deliver UHC in India

During an Elders delegation to India, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ban Ki-moon call on leaders to increase public financing on health and show sustained commitment to deliver Universal Health Coverage.

India urgently needs Universal Health Coverage

The Elders launch their report on Universal Health Coverage in India, calling on its leaders to increase political commitment and public financing to deliver #HealthForAll.

Kofi Annan's 'stubborn optimism' will continue to inspire us

Gro Harlem Brundtland, our acting chair, reflects on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan and looks ahead to our upcoming events. 

The mothers of all battles: how the fight against climate change is being led by moms across America

Kelsey Wirth, Co-founder and Chair of Mothers Out Front outlines how mothers, grandmothers and caregivers from across the United States are mobilising to fill the climate leadership vacuum left by those at the highest levels.

The Elders call for restraint and justice in Zimbabwe to honour Kofi Annan’s legacy

Ahead of the ruling by Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court on the 30 July election result, The Elders call on political leaders to honour Kofi Annan's legacy and the aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe by acting responsibly to avert further violence.

Remembering Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan's passing stunned the world. Here, we compile a selection of tributes from his friends, colleagues and those inspired by his leadership.

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.

The Elders mourn the loss of Kofi Annan

The Elders are shocked and deeply saddened at the passing of their dear friend and colleague Kofi Annan, who was the globally admired and respected Chair of The Elders.

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. 

Donald Trump’s deal must put Palestinian rights centre stage

Writing in the Financial Times, Kofi Annan welcomes fresh approaches to peacemaking but warns that any deal that does not address the root causes of the conflict will be doomed to failure.

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.

“Sparks of Hope” can honour Nelson Mandela’s vision of a better world

Writing in CNN, Graça Machel reflects on what we can learn from Madiba's legacy, and calls on us all to #WalkTogether on his centenary, to continue his long walk to freedom.

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.

#WalkTogether to celebrate 100 Sparks of Hope

Graça Machel reflects on a year of championing the freedoms Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to. She invites you to join with The Elders in continuing Mandela's long walk to freedom.

The Elders meet Kuwaiti leaders, call for greater dialogue on regional security issues

On their first official visit to Kuwait, The Elders commended the Kuwaiti leadership for prioritising peaceful and political processes to address regional problems, including conflicts in Yemen, Syria and Palestine.

Media Advisory: The Elders to visit Kuwait from 1-4 July 2018

Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi will visit the State of Kuwait to discuss regional security and political issues with senior political leaders and civil society.

The Elders condemn US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council

The Elders condemn the US decision to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council as an alarming act of isolationism that will make it harder to defend the rights and dignity of vulnerable people worldwide.

Annual Review 2017: #WalkTogether To Spark Hope In The World

2017 was a landmark year for the Elders. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in July and launched our Walk Together campaign to celebrate the freedoms Mandela dedicated his life to: Peace, Justice, Health and Equality. We also welcomed new members Ban Ki-m

Gro Harlem Brundtland: the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture

Gro Harlem Brundtland delivered the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture at the International Institute for Environment and Development, speaking on her engagement with sustainable development over the last three decades.

Livestream: Gro Harlem Brundtland to deliver the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture at the IIED

On 19 June 2018, Gro Harlem Brundtland will deliver the 2018 Barbara Ward Lecture at the International Institute for Environment and Development. Watch the livestream here from 7:00pm BST.

The Elders urge US, DPRK to build on Singapore summit with hard work for peace

The Elders welcome the historic summit and call on both parties to continue serious engagement to make progress towards full denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

The Elders urge US to recommit funding for UN Palestinian refugees agency

The Elders urge the United States to recommit funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to prevent a drastic cut in its essential services such as healthcare and education to those in need across the Middle East.

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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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