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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

Will the US commit to climate action on the road to Paris?

As climate talks resume in Geneva this week, Parker Liautaud believes that the US is beginning to take its responsibilities on climate change seriously.

The Elders call for strengthening of the United Nations

Fit for purpose in the 21st centuryThe Elders announce four proposals to build a better and fairer UN system, 70 years after the organisation was founded.

Four ideas to save the peace

Livesteam: Four ideas to save the peace

The Elders’ announcement on the United NationsFour Elders will be at the 2015 Munich Security Conference to speak about strengthening the UN.

Can we separate anti-Semitism from legitimate criticism?

The Elders’ Senior Middle East analyst, Nigel Pearce, suggests that criticism of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians is not necessarily anti-Semitism.

Encouraging progress towards peace and inclusiveness in Myanmar

Ahead of a crucial year for Myanmar’s transition, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Martti Ahtisaari, Lakhdar Brahimi and Hina Jilani travelled to Myanmar and Thailand in December 2014. Meeting with members of the government, armed forces, parliament and civil soc

2015 New Year’s message from Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders

Supporting courage where there is fear in 2015
Reflecting on the events of the past 12 months, Kofi Annan calls for forward-thinking, ethical leadership in the new year, highlighting the important role that everyone can play in driving social change.

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.

Climate action: the race to Paris

On returning from COP20 in Peru, Mary Robinson feels just enough was done to keep hopes afloat for a successful climate deal in Paris next December. But only just.

The Elders call for immediate end to conflict in Myanmar and urge parties to engage in talks

Concluding their third trip to Myanmar, The Elders are encouraged by the prospect of free and fair elections in 2015, but warn of the challenges that remain.

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.
 

Climate justice: adaptation is the only fair way to tackle climate change

As COP20 concludes, climate consultant Mike Edwards argues that delegates need to consider the need for ‘adaptation’ as well as ‘mitigation’.

Youth voices in the climate negotiations: a reflection from Lima, Peru

Timothy Damon is an American Youth Delegate to the UN Climate Convention at SustainUS attending the COP20 in Lima, Peru. Here he describes how difficult it is for the young to be heard in negotiations.

It's time to put a price on carbon

Writing in the HuffPost Green, Kofi Annan and Ernesto Zedillo welcome commitments to cut emissions, but warn that the shift to a low-carbon economy will not happen without the accurate pricing of carbon.

Media advisory: The Elders to visit Myanmar and Thailand from 12–18 December

Press conference in Yangon on Thursday 18 DecemberThis week, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Martti Ahtisaari, Lakhdar Brahimi and Hina Jilani begin a visit to Myanmar and Thailand, meeting with government, military and civil society. They aim to encourage progr

Climate change is a gender issue

Mary Robinson is attending the Conference of Parties 20 in Lima, Peru. High on the agenda is gender equality.

Human Rights Day – A reminder of our obligations

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, signed sixty-six years ago is as relevant as it ever was. Today, we must continue to build the mechanisms that will afford everyone their human rights.

Mandela: the man behind the legacy

From what he was like to know as a person, to his impact and the legacy that he left behind, Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter and fellow Elders honour Nelson Mandela on the anniversary of his passing.

Courage: the vital ingredient for a successful climate conference

Nicolas Hulot, Special Envoy of the French President for the Protection of the Planet, makes a plea to delegates to take bold steps for climate change.

Education: the best tool in the fight against racism in Israel

While Israelis and Palestinians struggle to find lasting peace, ACRI's Executive Director Sharon Abraham-Weiss believes that educating children against racism is an indispensable tool for preventing injustice and conflict

No time for another Copenhagen

Saleemul Huq, Director for the International Centre for Climate Change and Development, Bangladesh, has attended all 19 of the COP meetings since 1995. For COP20 he is optimistic that those at the negotiation table can come to an agreement.

Working on the frontline to prevent violence against women

Asha Haji Elmi is a politician, peace activist and the founder of Save Somali Women and Children, an organisation whose aim is to rebuild the lives of abused Somali women.

Violence against women – increasing public awareness

The Elders mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by highlighting some of the challenges facing women and girls including female foeticide, child marriage, sexual violence and equal participation; and call for increased publi

Iran nuclear talks: the world needs a positive outcome

Ahead of the approaching deadline, The Elders call on all parties in the Iran nuclear talks to take the necessary actions for an agreement to be reached.

Kofi Annan tells West African leaders: the world must do more to help you tackle Ebola

In letters to West African leaders, Kofi Annan expresses his solidarity with the populations affected by Ebola, and calls on the global community to take a stronger response to control and reverse the disease.

Fostering interfaith trust and ‘right speech’ in Myanmar

Harry Myo Lin, a young activist from Mandalay, Myanmar, talks to The Elders’ team about his efforts to help advance human rights and build interfaith peace in his country.

The Elders ask G20: get behind global climate fund & carbon pricing

Kofi Annan: markets need a reliable carbon price for world to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050In letters to the G20 ahead of their summit this week, The Elders call on the G20 leaders to promote the necessary decisive action on climate change.

“You cannot have sustainable peace without women”

How do we empower women at the peace-table – and how are they key to preventing conflict?
On Wednesday, The Elders held a public debate with women peacebuilders to discuss the role of women in peace.

Building a lasting peace: where are the women?

On 5 November, The Elders and four women change-makers, activists and experts debated how to empower women in conflict and in peace-making, in a live-streamed public event.

Europe's climate deal is a huge achievement; it's time for the rest of the world to match it

As the latest report by the International Panel on Climate Change is released, former EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard highlights why the international community must follow Europe’s lead in acting on climate change.

Lowering the marriage age: a step in the wrong direction

“Such a change in legislation would undermine efforts to reduce poverty and improve the welfare of girls and women across Bangladesh.”
In an open letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Kofi Annan warns of the dangers of lowering the minimum age

Are women really peaceful?

“Women are key assets for peace, yet the international community continues to ignore or marginalise them.”
Gender and conflict expert Sanam Naraghi Anderlini analyses the roles women play in conflict situations, and the challenges they face when cont

Meet the women peacebuilders

From grassroots activists, to policy advisors and campaigners, four women are working to include women at all levels in the peace process. 

Where are the women event

Has Europe delivered enough momentum for a global effort to cut carbon?

“To stave off the severe risks from extreme weather and rising seas, Europe’s announcement must be seen as a welcome opening offer and not the last word.”Climate expert Joss Garman welcomes Europe’s new deal on climate change but warns that more

Israel and Palestine: a tale of two narratives

"Historical traumas suffered by both Israelis and Palestinians could become a currency of compassion and understanding"
Our Senior Middle East Analyst Nigel Pearce argues that the culture of victimhood must be overcome for the Israeli-Palestinian peace p

How can young people join in the debate about climate change?

"When we're destroying the globe, you are the ones who will inherit it. Don't let politicians get away with it!"
On 16 October, Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson spoke on climate and ethical leadership with arctic explorer and environmental campaigner Parker

Let's not be afraid to challenge the traditions that harm girls

“Have the courage to take action. Society is ready to change.”Marking the International Day of the Girl Child, Hina Jilani calls on the international community and civil society to work together to improve the lives of girls and women.

Women at the heart of sustainable peace

‘No society can develop – economically, politically or socially – when half of its population is marginalised’Speaking at the annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, Mary Robinson champions women as agents of change, from addressing con

Climate change: Keeping up the pressure #NowNotTomorrow

“The people of the world want to see an end to the threat from climate change”
Returning from New York, Elders CEO Lesley-Anne Knight reflects on the results of last week’s Climate Summit, which follows the largest-ever march on climate change, an

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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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