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Leaders must uphold scientific integrity over political opportunism
Gro Harlem Brundtland
Gro Harlem Brundtland discusses how disinformation threatens pandemic preparedness
Opinion
Pandemic Preparedness: A Collective Responsibility for a Safer Future
Helen Clark
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
20 Mar 2025
The Elders call for an immediate end to Israel’s latest military assault and urge a credible diplomatic peace process.
News
We are recruiting: Operations Manager
10 Mar 2025
Newsletters
It’s time for a woman to serve as UN Secretary-General
Elbegdorj Tsakhia
07 Mar 2025
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
Helen Clark
05 Mar 2025
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
Three years on from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Juan Manuel Santos urges world leaders to stand firm on justice, accountability and Ukrainian sovereignty.
 Read more
Media Releases
Opinion
Qui prendra les rênes de la lutte contre le changement climatique ?
21 Apr 2014
« Les jeunes recevront notre planète en héritage. Nous les exhortons à ne pas sous-estimer leur pouvoir, leur influence et leur responsabilité. »
Dans un article pour le Huffington Post, Jimmy Carter et Mary Robinson invitent la jeunesse à se mobi
Media Releases
Avis aux médias: Les Elders en visite à Paris les 22 et 23 avril 2014
17 Apr 2014
Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani et Mary Robinson se rendront à Paris les 22 et 23 avril 2014 pour des entretiens avec le gouvernement français et des représentants de la société civile. Ils participeront aussi à un débat public sur les changements climat
News
Climate change, leadership and young people: join the debate
14 Apr 2014
How can we make sure world leaders take the bold action needed to tackle climate change – and what can young people do to spark political momentum?Join the discussion with The Elders, students and climate activists next Tuesday.
Photos
Myanmar: finding a shared vision, building trust
11 Apr 2014
News
'Brave acts of wisdom': conversations with the Elders
10 Apr 2014
“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.
Media Releases
The Elders support Palestinian move to sign international treaties
07 Apr 2014
“This move should not be seen as a blow to the peace talks” – Jimmy CarterConcerned by the impasse in peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, The Elders welcome Mahmoud Abbas' decision to sign the Geneva Conventions and other importa
News
Women, religion, violence and power
03 Apr 2014
“There’s no possible way to find a verse in the Bible where Jesus indicates any inferiority of women compared to men.”Following the publication of his book A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence and Power, Jimmy Carter gave a series of media
News
Myanmar: ‘To overcome the mistrust, it takes time’
01 Apr 2014
How can Myanmar's peace process become more inclusive – and what can the international community do to help?
Martti Ahtisaari and Gro Harlem Brundtland speak to Nyein Nyein and Lin Thant from The Irrawaddy.
Media Releases
Myanmar’s grassroots should have a role in national reforms, peace talks
28 Mar 2014
“We heard concerns that citizens’ perspectives are not being taken into account.” Gro Harlem BrundtlandAfter meeting with Myanmar government officials and civil society groups, The Elders call for greater inclusiveness and trust-building in Myanma
News
A call to action: end discrimination against women
25 Mar 2014
"We are calling on all those with influence to challenge and change the harmful teachings and practices – in religious and secular life – that justify discrimination against women."
In an excerpt from his new book, Jimmy Carter discusses The Elders'
Media Releases
Media advisory: The Elders to visit Myanmar and Thailand on 24-28 March
21 Mar 2014
Gro Harlem Brundtland and Martti Ahtisaari will spend five days in Myanmar and Thailand. With Myanmar opening up politically and economically, The Elders aim to promote inclusive governance and socio-economic justice.
Media Releases
The Elders urge the EU to deploy a stabilisation force in the CAR
21 Mar 2014
“Europe must not lose sight of the tragedy unfolding in the Central African Republic” – Kofi AnnanThe Elders call on European leaders to fulfil their pledge to help protect civilians and halt violent clashes in the CAR.
News
Appel pour un leadership européen en matière de changement climatique
17 Mar 2014
“La lutte contre le changement climatique est dans l’intérêt économique de L’Europe. Elle lui offre aussi l’occasion de déployer au mieux son leadership.”
Dans une tribune parue dans Libération, Mary Robinson et Desmond Tutu appellent les
News
Solidarity #withSyria
13 Mar 2014
The Syria conflict has killed more than 140,000 people. As the crisis enters its fourth year, campaigners worldwide are mobilising public pressure to push for an end to the bloodshed.
Photos
Stories of hope and resilience in Syria
13 Mar 2014
News
Closing the gender gap
08 Mar 2014
"For global development to be sustainable, the issues of climate change, gender equality and food security must all go hand-in-­hand."Mary Robinson calls on international agencies to break out of the 'boxes' that constrain policy making and adopt a cli
News
“To denigrate women is to spit in the face of God”
07 Mar 2014
Desmond Tutu and Jimmy Carter spent an hour responding to questions on women’s rights yesterday, in The Elders’ first ever live Twitter Q&A for International Women’s Day 2014.
News
#AskElders: Twitter Q&A on women's rights
04 Mar 2014
To mark International Women’s Day 2014, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani and Desmond Tutu will answer questions in The Elders’ first ever live Twitter chat.
Media Releases
The Elders urge world powers to uphold Ukraine’s territorial integrity
03 Mar 2014
“The use of force and any further loss of life should be avoided at all costs.” Kofi AnnanThe Elders express deep concern at the crisis in Ukraine and urge all parties to resolve their differences peacefully.
News
Some rare good news on Syria
25 Feb 2014
"The Elders will closely follow whether, and how, these promising words are put into action."Lesley-Anne Knight, CEO of The Elders, welcomes Saturday's diplomatic breakthrough on Syria at the UN Security Council.
Opinion
La paix est à notre portée dans les Grands Lacs
24 Feb 2014
“Pour la première fois depuis des années, les femmes et les enfants de l’Est de la RDC ont un infime espoir de pouvoir vivre et travailler sans la crainte permanente du conflit, de violences sexuelles ou de viols.”
Mary Robinson, Envoyée spéci
Elders Statements
The Elders call for swift and decisive action in the Central African Republic
19 Feb 2014
“I urge the Security Council to act swiftly and decisively and authorise the resources urgently needed to begin stabilising the CAR." Kofi Annan
The Elders highlight the worsening violence in the Central African Republic, ahead of tomorrow's report fro
News
The frontlines of leadership, from two ex-Presidents (part two)
19 Feb 2014
"We get energised by the idealism of many young people, their wish for better leadership in our world." Mary RobinsonFrom early influences to religion and the meaning of life, Martti Ahtisaari and Mary Robinson speak to Mayumi Yoshinari from Chuo-Koron
News
Introduction to The Elders
13 Feb 2014
"With their experience, and their profound commitment to building a better world – let us call them global Elders." Nelson MandelaIn July 2007, Nelson Mandela brought together The Elders, independent leaders using their collective experience and
Photos
Elders in Iran: encouraging openness and trust
07 Feb 2014
News
If leaders fail, people will lead
06 Feb 2014
“People want responsible leadership. On big issues, they are not going to sit in their homes. They will act and press for action.”
Kofi Annan speaks to Subhabrata Guha of the Times of India, urging governments and grassroots alike to take tough decis
Elders Statements
The Elders conclude fruitful first visit to Iran
30 Jan 2014
"We are convinced that Iran can be a key factor for stability and opportunity in the region." Kofi Annan
After a series of meetings with the country’s leadership, The Elders are encouraged by Iran’s new spirit of openness and dialogue with the outsid
News
Elders in Iran: "we must rebuild trust and mutual respect"
27 Jan 2014
At the start of The Elders' three-day visit to Iran, Kofi Annan speaks to journalists following a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif.
Elders Statements
Media advisory: The Elders to visit Iran from 26-29 January 2014
25 Jan 2014
Kofi Annan, Martti Ahtisaari, Desmond Tutu and Ernesto Zedillo travel to Tehran to discuss Iran's relations with the international community.
Opinion
Uma chamada à liderança sobre mudanças no clima
24 Jan 2014
"Todos os anos, a incapacidade em agir nos deixa mais próximos de um ponto sem retorno, no qual os cientistas receiam que as mudanças climáticas possas se tornar irreversíveis."
No início de um ano decisivo para agir sobre as mudanças climáticas,
News
The frontlines of leadership, from two ex-Presidents (part one)
15 Jan 2014
"If you have double standards, you undermine the morality and integrity of human rights." Mary RobinsonIn the first of a two-part interview with Mayumi Yoshinari for Chuo-Koron, Martti Ahtisaari and Mary Robinson discuss climate justice, impunity and th
Opinion
Ignore climate change at your peril
09 Jan 2014
"SDGs without climate change would have no credibility."
As government and civil society meet in New York to discuss the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mary Robinson calls for climate change to be included in the post-2015 framework. First pub
Opinion
Sympathy for the migrant
02 Jan 2014
“States that tighten their borders encourage desperate people to take greater risks to cross them.”
Urging governments to rethink their immigration policies, Kofi Annan calls for a more compassionate approach to those seeking refuge or economic oppor
News
Hina Jilani: the life of a human rights activist
28 Dec 2013
“Activism is not a drug. It is a choice that is consciously made.”
In an interview with Yo Dona, the women’s supplement of Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Hina Jilani speaks about her life as a Pakistani human rights defender and explains why she recen
Opinion
Time to be bold and make peace in Syria
23 Dec 2013
"No one can win this war."
Writing in The Washington Post, Jimmy Carter and Carter Center Senior Advisor Robert A Pastor suggest three alternative preconditions that could bring Syria's warring parties to the negotiating table.
News
Can 2014 be a turning point for Syria?
19 Dec 2013
“Humanitarian access must be an urgent priority at Geneva II.”Lesley-Anne Knight, CEO of The Elders, urges the international community to ensure January’s peace conference in Geneva delivers meaningful decisions for the embattled people of Syria.
Media Releases
الحكماء: يمكن لمشروع الدستور المصري أن يكون خطوة هامة إلى الأمام
19 Dec 2013
News
Elders in Johannesburg for Mandela's memorial service
10 Dec 2013
"The world has lost a visionary leader, a courageous voice for justice and a clear moral compass."
As the Elders prepare to attend Nelson Mandela's memorial service in South Africa, Kofi Annan gives a statement on behalf of The Elders honouring the life
Opinion
Remembering the people who make rights meaningful
10 Dec 2013
Hina Jilani celebrates Mandela and the individuals like him who challenge injustice and safeguard the fundamental rights we all share.
Media Releases
Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter and fellow Elders travel to South Africa for Nelson Mandela’s funeral
08 Dec 2013
A delegation of Elders including Kofi Annan, Martti Ahtisaari, Lakhdar Brahimi, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson will travel to South Africa to attend the memorial service for Nelson Mandela on Tuesday 10 December.

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