Clear all filters

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

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.

The Elders condemn US recognition of Jerusalem as Israeli capital as grave risk to peace

The Elders condemn US President Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as a grave threat to peace across the Middle East.

The Elders urge Indonesia to take bold steps to accelerate progress towards UHC

Concluding a two-day visit to Indonesia, The Elders call for the government to take bolder fiscal, political and social measures to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Indonesia can achieve Universal Health Coverage with increased public financing

Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ernesto Zedillo discuss Indonesia's progress towards Universal Health Coverage in an interview with Desi Anwar for CNN Indonesia. 

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 condemn Libya slave auctions, demand migrants’ rights respected

The Elders today strongly condemned “slave auctions” of African migrants in Libya and urged the international community to take all necessary steps to protect the rights and dignity of all people, especially vulnerable foreigners, in the conflict-wrac

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.

America’s health system prioritises profit over care

Speaking at WalkTogether for Health for All on 8 November in New York, Ban Ki-moon reiterates the universality of the health SDG and urges courageous political leadership to respond to the emerging American consensus for a publicly financed heal

The Elders urge end of Yemen blockade to avert further humanitarian crisis

The Elders call on Saudi Arabia and its coalition partners to lift the land, sea, and air blockade of Yemen to avert an escalation of the humanitarian disaster in the war-stricken country.

#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

Now is the time for Universal Health Coverage in the United States

Writing in TIME, Gro Brundtland and Jimmy Carter decry the lack of universal health coverage in the United States as a national scandal. They call for political courage and urge individual States to lead the way where Capitol Hill is paralysed. 

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.

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.

#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.

Lakhdar Brahimi on the political legacy of the Balfour Declaration

On 26 October, Lakhdar Brahimi joined a panel discussion at Chatham House, marking 100 years since the Balfour Declaration. Read his opening remarks in which he reflects on Britain's responsibility for political developments in the region since 1917

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.

The US must end its paralysis and punish South Sudan's war criminals

Writing in Newsweek to coincide with Ambassador Nikki Haley's visit to the region, Ernesto Zedillo calls on the United States to take firm steps to end impunity for war crimes in South Sudan.

The Balfour Declaration: Palestine, Israel and Britain 100 years on

Lakhdar Brahimi to join Chatham House panel on 26 October, marking 100 years since the Balfour Declaration – a promise that immeasurably altered the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and one whose political and social impact is felt to this day.

Livestream: How can youth leaders lay the groundwork for Peace?

The Elders and emerging policy leaders from the UK and the world will discuss possible pathways to global peace. Watch the livestream and join the conversation by submitting your questions with #WalkTogether

The Elders applaud Palestinian reconciliation; renew call for end to blockade of Gaza

The Elders warmly welcome the reconciliation agreement reached by Fatah and Hamas as an essential step towards the full reunification of the West Bank and Gaza, keeping alive prospects for the peaceful emergence of a Palestinian state.

The Elders deplore US decertification of Iran nuclear deal as threat to peace

The Elders deplore in the strongest terms the decision of US President Donald Trump to decertify the Iran nuclear deal as a threat to global peace and stability.

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.

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.

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.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge strong multilateral response to DPRK nuclear tensions

Following the recent nuclear test and missile launches by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), The Elders express concern and urge the leaders of the United States and of the DPRK to search for a peaceful solution to the crisis.

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.

Cooperation across borders: the key to our common sustainable future

Reflecting on the legacy of German post-war leader Willy Brandt, Gro Harlem Brundtland rejects recent isolationist trends and celebrates collective efforts towards achieving a peaceful, just and sustainable world.

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.



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