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Leaders must uphold scientific integrity over political opportunism

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Gro Harlem Brundtland discusses how disinformation threatens pandemic preparedness

Pandemic Preparedness: A Collective Responsibility for a Safer Future

The second blog in a collaborative series between the United Nations Youth Office and The Elders, focused on pandemic preparedness

Elders Statements

The Elders urge immediate end to Israel’s attacks on Gaza and resumption of ceasefire

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders call for an immediate end to Israel’s latest military assault and urge a credible diplomatic peace process.

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It’s time for a woman to serve as UN Secretary-General

Elbegdorj Tsakhia

Elbegdorj Tsakhia reflects on the shifting geopolitical landscape and urges that women’s voices be at the forefront of global decision-making.

Speeches and Discussions

Cooperation isn’t utopian - it works

At the Tokyo Conference 2025, Helen Clark warned that rising nuclear risks and the breakdown of multilateral cooperation are threatening global security

Juan Manuel Santos urges inclusive peace talks for Ukraine's future

24 February 2025

Three years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Juan Manuel Santos urges world leaders to stand firm on justice, accountability and Ukrainian sovereignty.

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.

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

Political commitment is the key to Universal Health Coverage

Writing in the British Medical Journal, Gro Harlem Brundtland explains how Universal Health Coverage is a matter of political commitment since it consists of a political process ensuring the creation of an equitable health financing system.

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.

Elders Statements

Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon joins The Elders

Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, announced as a new member of The Elders.

50 years of occupation: Lakhdar Brahimi addresses UN Security Council

Marking 50 years of occupation, Lakhdar Brahimi addresses the UN Security Council on the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Kofi Annan: Why Are Only Poor Countries Taking Refugees?

Writing in TIME Magazine, Kofi Annan urges leaders to act responsibly and to commit to cooperation and burden-sharing to ensure the protection of refugees' human rights and dignity.

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.

Universal Health Coverage as a human right: a call for genuine political commitment

In a speech to the 70th World Health Assembly, Gro Harlem Brundtland explains why Universal Health Coverage is grounded in human rights and is possible for all, with genuine political commitment.

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn US for quitting Paris climate agreement: no one country can dismantle it.

The Elders condemn President Trump's decision to quit the Paris Agreement on climate change. They urge the other signatories to ambitiously increase their efforts to address climate change.

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn political paralysis in South Sudan in the face of famine

The Elders condemn the political paralysis and failure of leadership at all levels in South Sudan in the face of worsening famine and humanitarian disaster.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge continued US support for Paris climate agreement

The Elders call on the United States to reaffirm its support for the Paris Agreement on climate change and show leadership and ambition in tackling the threat posed by global warming.

International Cooperation: Elders' Q&A

In a Q&A session with the IPI Global Observatory, four Elders discussed the importance of reinvigorating international cooperation in order to address the world's most pressing problems.

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn Manchester terror attack

The Elders condemned the terror attack in Manchester and expressed their deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured, and to all the people of the United Kingdom.

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.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge Italy to push for climate solidarity and unity at G7 summit

The Elders have written to Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni to express support for his country’s leadership on climate issues as President of the G7, ahead of its Summit on 26-27 May.

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

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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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