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We need to safeguard civic space

Danny Sriskandarajah, Secretary-General of CIVICUS, marks Human Rights Day by reflecting on civil society's successes and challenges, noting the declining space for citizens to organise and mobilise and calling for the need to construct a progressive narr

Acting together to secure a sustainable future

In a world of rising intolerance, Mary Robinson draws courage from leaders working to tackle the global challenge of climate change.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Five ways to end violence against women

One in three women worldwide will experience violence in their lifetime. To mark the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, we present five different perspectives from members of The Elders over the past ten years, touchin

The Elders felicitan al Presidente de Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos por el premio Liderazgo de las Américas

Una carta abierta por parte de nuestro Presidente Kofi Annan al Presidente de Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos, en la que se elogia su liderazgo en negociar dos acuerdos de paz con los rebeldes de las FARC para poner fin al conflicto más prolongado de Col

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders congratulate Colombia’s President Santos on Leadership for The Americas award

An open letter from our Chair Kofi Annan to Colombia’s President Santos, praising his leadership in brokering two peace agreements with the FARC rebels to end Colombia’s long-running conflict.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders’ reflection on the US Presidential Election

Our statement on the election of Donald Trump as the 45th President of the United States.

Ethical Leadership

Ready, steady, action! Finland proceeds with the 2030 Agenda

As the work to secure climate progress continues at the Marrakech Climate Change Conference (COP22), Marja Innanen, Deputy Secretary General of the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development (FNCSD), argues that the SDGs are "a mirror" reflect

Ethical Leadership

Prisoners of hope in a challenging world: reflections from our new CEO

David Nussbaum offers his reflections following his first board meeting as CEO, recalling the Elders undimmed sense of determination as "prisoners of hope" and paying tribute to Ela Bhatt as she steps down from frontline duties.

Ethical Leadership

Ela Bhatt steps down from The Elders

Ela Bhatt, member of The Elders since its founding in 2007 will step down on 1 November 2016.

Ethical Leadership

The Universal Pursuit Towards Health and Well-Being

Gro Harlem Brundtland and Dr. Alaa Murabit, UN High-Level Commissioner on Health Employment and Economic Growth, discuss the economic and societal benefits of Universal Health Coverage, in a session moderated by Bryan Walsh, Foreign & International Ed

Bad weather: The Human Cost of Climate Change

Speaking at the Social Good Summit 2016, Mary Robinson explains the concept of climate justice, building resilience and ensuring adequate climate finance, in a session moderated by Julie Gichuru, entrepreneur and Kenyan media personality.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge all states to commit to universal, impartial International Criminal Court

Our statement on the International Criminal Court, following recent moves by three African countries to withdraw.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Accelerating progress toward UHC by 2030

Last month in New York, Gro Harlem Brundtland spoke alongside global health leaders including Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO and the health ministers of South Africa and Thailand, during which she called for courageous leadership to achieve Univer

Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome David Nussbaum as new Chief Executive

The Elders Foundation is delighted to welcome David Nussbaum as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Building a culture of inclusivity in a diverse society

Delivering the 6th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, Hina Jilani stresses the importance of ethical leadership and exhorts world leaders to comply with human rights norms and the rule of law when addressing peace and security issues.

Why must women, children & adolescents be a UHC priority?

Gro Harlem Brundtland recalls witnessing women giving birth with no assistance. She is joined by fellow Elders Hina Jilani, Mary Robinson and Graça Machel in explaining how Universal Health Coverage empowers women, and should be free at the point of use.

Elders in Berlin: recognising German leadership on refugees

In September 2016, Kofi Annan, Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi visited Germany to launch a new report on refugees and migration. They heard a range of perspectives on the country's response to the crisis, from Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders call on US, UK to take action to stop civilian deaths in Yemen

Expressing shock and deep dismay over the latest incident of heavy civilian casualties in Yemen resulting from the Saudi-led aerial bombing campaign, The Elders call on the United States and United Kingdom to take decisive steps to prevent further needles

The Elders welcome nomination of António Guterres as next UN Secretary-General

The Elders' statement welcoming the nomination of António Guterres, former Prime Minister of Portugal and UN High Commissioner for Refugees, as the next UN Secretary-General.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge new compromise for Colombia peace deal

The Elders respect the decision of the Colombian people who have voted not to accept the peace agreement and urge Colombian leaders to find compromises which will allow all Colombians to unite behind peace as a national project.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders condemn Aleppo bombardments and call for unimpeded humanitarian aid

The Elders condemn the continued devastating attacks on civilian targets in the Syrian city of Aleppo and deplore the paralysis of the United Nations Security Council in the face of such a brutal military assault, which has shown utter disregard for civil

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Refugees: moving beyond warm words to concrete actions

Ahead of the UN Summit on Refugees and Migrants and President Barack Obama's Leaders' Summit on Refugees, Hina Jilani calls on those meeting to move beyond warm words to concrete actions that will help the most vulnerable people. Published in Huffington P

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership: a global challenge and opportunity

Our CEO Andrew Whitley reflects on a busy month during which The Elders launched a new report in Germany on refugees and mass migration, and held several meetings and discussions in and around the UN General Assembly in New York, including with senior UN

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders mourn the loss of Shimon Peres

The Elders' statement on the passing of Shimon Peres, former President of Israel and Nobel Peace laureate.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Why is Universal Health Coverage vital to achieving the health SDG?

Recognising the vital role health plays in the realisation of the wider Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Kofi Annan is joined by fellow Elders Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ernesto Zedillo in this short video calling on governments to honour their commit

Building coalitions to support SDGs in Costa Rica

One year on from the signing of the Sustainable Development Goals, how are countries in the developing and developed world making progress in their implementation? In the first of a series of guest blogs on this issue, Dr. Monica Araya from Costa Rican ci

Ethical Leadership

The Elders denounce bombing of UN aid convoy in Syria; demand immediate humanitarian access

The Elders condemn bombing of aid convoy in Syria and urge all sides to adhere to ceasefire agreement.

The Elders hail Germany's engagement on refugee and migration issues

The Elders reflect on a two day visit to Germany, during which they met with Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and President Joachim Gauck, and launched a new report on refugees and migration.

Ethical Leadership

In Challenge Lies Opportunity: How the World Must Respond to Refugees and Mass Migration

The Elders launch their new report on refugees and mass migration, calling for political will to ensure that responsibility is truly shared between countries, and that the vulnerable are protected.

Ethical Leadership

Refugee crisis: an open letter to European leaders

An open letter from our Chair Kofi Annan and other high-level dignitaries to European leaders on the current refugee and migration crisis.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome Myanmar peace conference

Welcoming the peace conference convened by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Gro Harlem Brundtland calls for the basic rights of all Myanmar's people regardless of race, religion or citizenship, to be a guiding principle on its journey to a fully democratic and peace

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Syria and refugees: the case for compassion

Kofi Annan reflects on the shocking images of children who have suffered in the Syrian conflict and asks whether the world has done enough, both in protecting civilians within Syria and those who have fled.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome historic Colombia peace agreement

The Elders' statement on the signing of the peace agreement in Colombia.

The Elders condemn the violence against civilians in Aleppo and back UN call for urgent humanitarian access

The Elders' statement condemning the violence against civilians in Aleppo, Syria; calling on all sides to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge SADC leaders to support smooth transition in Zimbabwe

Ahead of the 36th SADC Summit, Kofi Annan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Graça Machel call on attending heads of state to support a successful and inclusive transition in Zimbabwe.

Ethical Leadership

Meeting Africa’s universal health challenge

Writing in an opinion piece published across Africa ahead of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) on 27-28 August, Graça Machel and Ricardo Lagos call on the continent's leaders to invest substantial political capital to

Ethical Leadership

Overcoming obstacles on the path to peace

Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile, draws on personal experience when he reflects on Colombia's path to peace and the tensions between conflict resolution and upholding human rights.

Ethical Leadership

On the UK's responsibility to show leadership at the United Nations

Speaking at the International Relations Committee of the House of Lords in London, 20 July, our CEO Andrew Whitley reflects on the need for reform at the United Nations and UK's role in leading this change.

The Elders condemn Turkey coup attempt and urge all sides to respect democracy

The Elders' statement on the attempted coup in Turkey.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders express concern over lack of global action on climate change

The Elders call on global leaders to live up to their climate commitments, noting that to date none of the top 10 emitters of greenhouse gases have ratified the Paris Agreement and leaders continue to make counter-productive investment decisions on fossil

Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome new moves in Africa to end child marriage

We welcome recent action taken by leaders in The Gambia, Tanzania and Uganda to eradicate the harmful practice of child marriage.

Ethical Leadership

Wanted: A strong UN leader and peace-maker

Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson call on the successful candidate for UN Secretary-General to serve one seven year term, to ensure their strength and independence. Writing in an opinion piece published around the world, they also urge P5 members to recog

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Building a culture of inclusivity in a diverse society

Delivering the 6th Annual Desmond Tutu International Peace Lecture, Hina Jilani stresses the importance of ethical leadership.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge leaders to fill $2.5bn El Niño funding gap

In letters to world leaders ahead of a high level meeting at the United Nations on 19 July, The Elders call for the filling of the $2.5bn funding gap to help countries facing drought and a humanitarian crisis linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge all sides to cooperate with East African Community efforts to resolve Burundi conflict

The Elders welcome the planned resumption of the Inter-Burundian Dialogue as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the current crisis in Burundi.

Observing change at the United Nations

Change at the UN usually proceeds at a glacial pace, but our Programme Officer Tom Brookes observes that over the past 18 months, the status quo appears to be slowly changing.

Former President of Chile Ricardo Lagos to join The Elders

Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile, announced as a new member of The Elders.

The Elders troubled by UK’s vote to leave the European Union

The Elders' statement on Brexit; and call to the remaining member states of the European Union.

The Elders welcome announcement of terms for ceasefire in Colombia

The Elders' statement on the moves towards peace in Colombia.

The Elders welcome Paris conference as step towards two-state solution for Israel-Palestine

The Elders call for decisive international engagement to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and secure a lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

Ethical Leadership

Elders discuss Middle East with BBC’s Lyse Doucet at ODI

The Elders and ODI co-hosted a discussion panel on the Middle East with the BBC’s Lyse Doucet, bringing together world-leading research and experience to discuss all angles of the regional crisis.

The Elders launch Universal Health Coverage initiative at Women Deliver

The Elders call for universal access to health care as a way of saving lives, tackling poverty, empowering women and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Universal Health, Universal Rights

Gro Harlem Brundtland and Graça Machel call on G7 nations to show leadership on achieving Universal Health Coverage. Writing in an opinion piece published around the world, they outline why UHC is crucial to saving lives and driving growth.

Universal Health Coverage: a goal all countries can reach

Jimmy Carter, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Graça Machel, Hina Jilani, Mary Robinson, Ernesto Zedillo and Kofi Annan explain why The Elders have launched a new initiative to campaign for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

David Nussbaum appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Elders

The Elders Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of David Nussbaum as Chief Executive Officer from October 2016.

Ahead of World Humanitarian Summit, The Elders urge UN action to stop mass atrocities

The Elders welcome the first World Humanitarian Summit taking place in Istanbul next week as a moment to galvanise responses to human catastrophes, notably in the host country’s immediate region.

Ethical Leadership

"When the Security Council fails, the United Nations fails"

To mark the first World Humanitarian Summit, five Elders are joined by Amnesty International and the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect to call for veto restraint and increased cooperation amongst the Permanent Members of

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

Fernando Henrique Cardoso steps down from The Elders

Fernando Henrique Cardoso, member of The Elders since its founding in 2007, is stepping down.

Jimmy Carter steps down from The Elders

Jimmy Carter, member of The Elders since its founding in 2007 will step down on 1 June 2016.

The Elders launch new initiative on Universal Health Coverage at Women Deliver

The Elders launch a new initiative to promote Universal Health Coverage (UHC) at the Women Deliver conference as part of the organisation’s mission to support equality, social justice and sustainable development.

UHC explained: Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals

UHC is the best way to achieve the health Sustainable Development Goal. Countries should plan and implement strategies to reach UHC in an equitable way, as the best way to achieve the overall Sustainable Development Goal on health.

UHC explained: Universal Health Coverage delivers substantial health, economic and political benefits

As successful UHC reforms are dependent on increased public financing and sustained political commitment, we call on the global development community to promote the economic and political benefits of UHC to political leaders and ministers of finance.

UHC explained: Women, children and adolescents as a UHC priority

Countries should implement UHC strategies that move swiftly to full population coverage in an equitable way, giving a high priority to meeting the needs of women, children and adolescents.

UHC explained: Public financing is the key to UHC

Governments and global development should implement UHC financing strategies that increase levels of public financing and reduce the role of inefficient and inequitable private financing mechanisms, especially health service user fees.

Your questions explained: Universal Health Coverage

What is Universal Health Coverage? How many people lack health coverage? Is UHC achievable? In this series of explainers, we answer your questions on each proposal in The Elders' new initiative to campaign for Universal Health Coverage.

The Elders call on all countries to prioritise anti-corruption fight

The Elders welcome the International Anti-Corruption Summit taking place in London on 12 May and call on all countries to back up their words with actions.

Ethical Leadership

Refugees question The Elders and UNHCR about their future

From alternative pathways to safety and resettlement to the prospect of peace in Syria, refugees in the Middle East have many questions about their future. Elders Kofi Annan and Lakhdar Brahimi join Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to

Ethical Leadership

After Paris: what next for climate action?

Jenny Yates, our Programme Director, reflects on the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change by 175 countries and considers the road ahead for climate action.

Ethical Leadership

The Elders urge UN Security Council to defuse tensions seriously affecting UN mission in Western Sahara

The Elders' statement on the tensions hampering the UN mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO).

After Myanmar's celebrations, the hard work begins

From building relationships with the military and ethnic armed groups, to satisfying political activists hungry for rapid change, Myanmar’s new government faces multiple challenges, argues our senior policy consultant, Matthew J Walton.

Ethical Leadership

Who are The Elders?

The Elders are independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights. They are not bound by the interests of any nation, government or institution. Join us to work towards a better future.

The Elders welcome Myanmar’s new civilian government

The Elders' statement on Myanmar's new civilian government.

Annual Report 2015: Reflecting the past, facing the future

The Elders have released their latest Annual Report. From Climate Change and the SDGs to Equality for Girls and Women and strengthening the UN, read highlights of The Elders’ work from 2015.

Remembering the people who make human rights meaningful

Hina Jilani celebrates Nelson Mandela and the individuals like him who challenge injustice and safeguard the fundamental rights we all share.

Grassroots solutions: the most powerful tools to fight poverty and inequality

Ela Bhatt explains why the poor and marginalised must be considered as both agents and the beneficiaries of change if the Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved. First published in UNA-UK's "SDGs: the people's agenda" publication.

Farewell from The Elders' CEO

Lesley-Anne Knight reflects on her time as CEO of The Elders, celebrating its successes, and highlighting the challenges ahead.

Ethical Leadership

Rising sea levels: “Our islands will one day be wiped off the map: what will happen to our women?"

Climate activist and poet Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner marks International Women’s Day by celebrating the strength and resilience of Marshall Islands’ women and highlights the importance of including women in tackling climate change.

Gender equality and climate change: the vital link for success beyond Paris

From assessing the "people-centred" COP21 Paris Agreement and how those on the frontlines can help the world in tackling climate change, to ensuring that women are empowered to make their voices heard, Mary Robinson marks International Women's Day by high

The Elders statement on the death of Boutros Boutros-Ghali (1922-2016)

The Elders extend their deepest condolences to the family of Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former UN Secretary-General.

Syria: time to put an immediate halt to all the fighting

As the violence engulfing Syria continues, veteran mediator and former UN Special Envoy to Syria Lakhdar Brahimi calls on all parties to end the violence, prioritise the needs of the Syrian people and for European governments to agree a coordinated respon

Working for a stronger UN. Still much to do.

One year on from the launch of our ‘UN Fit for Purpose’ initiative at the Munich Security Conference, The Elders and our partners continue to press for change. This photo-story highlights progress to date and looks ahead to the work remaining in this

Lesley-Anne Knight retires as CEO of The Elders

The Chair of the Elders, Kofi Annan, today announced the retirement effective 18 March 2016 of Ms Lesley-Anne Knight, the Chief Executive Officer of The Elders.

The Elders urge a renewed commitment to the peace process in Syria

While The Elders welcome the outcome of the Syria Donor Conference in London, a determined and sustained effort to attain peace is the only way to protect the Syrian people.

The Elders urge African Union to maintain efforts for peace and justice in Burundi

The Elders have written to the Chairperson of the African Union, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, in support of her efforts to bring peace and justice to Burundi, and urged her to press for a credible international security presence in the country.

Still fit for purpose? Elders’ UN proposals take centre stage at Sciences Po

Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi discussed The Elders’ proposals for strengthening the UN at the Sciences Po event which included contributions from several possible candidates for the next Secretary-General and touched on issues from terrorism to t

Ethical Leadership

Kofi Annan: "We all have a responsibility to assist refugees; they have rights"

Speaking from Davos to BBC Newsnight, Kofi Annan highlights the need for leadership and cooperation, from Europe's refugee crisis to resolving the Syrian civil war and tackling the Islamic State.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome the lifting of sanctions against Iran

The lifting of the sanctions against Iran is a diplomatic breakthrough fully supported by The Elders and proof that positive outcomes can be achieved through sustained political dialogue.

Martti Ahtisaari calls for UN reform at Sciences Po event in Paris

Almost one year on from launching our initiative to strengthen the United Nations, Martti Ahtisaari delivers a keynote address at the Sciences Po Youth & Leaders Summit in Paris calling for leadership by governments and the next Secretary-General in m

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

What will be on the agenda for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations

Livestreamed from Sciences Po’s Youth & Leaders Summit 2016 in Paris on Monday 18 January, Martti Ahtisaari and Lakhdar Brahimi speak on The Elders’ call for UN reform the serious challenges facing the next Secretary-General.

Conflict, Ethical Leadership

The Elders welcome UN High-Level Panel report on humanitarian funding

The Elders welcome the new report on humanitarian funding by the UN High-Level Panel and call on the world’s prosperous nations to show real ethical leadership to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable.

Ethical Leadership

2016: a year for passionate intensity and positive change

Reflecting on the events of the past year, Kofi Annan calls on our current generation of leaders to show conviction to achieve positive change for in 2016.

Ethical Leadership

As COP21 ends, the fight for responsible politics begins

Our Head of International Media William French returns from a successful COP21 and argues that politicians and the press need to talk honestly about the tough choices ahead to make the global climate deal work.

Ethical Leadership

Paris agreement gives us momentum to build on

At the successful conclusion of the COP21 climate summit, Mary Robinson welcomes the new Paris Agreement, giving the world the opportunity to create a sustainable future.

Ethical Leadership

An agreement for humanity: the Elders welcome COP21 climate deal

The Elders congratulate the signatories of the COP21 climate deal in Paris for reaching “an agreement for humanity” which, if implemented fully and in good faith, could herald a turning point in the fight against climate change, poverty and injustice.

Ethical Leadership

Venezuelans to be congratulated for their deep commitment to democratic practice

The Elders congratulate the Venezuelan people on the recent election result and calls on all parties to address challenges that arise through appropriate legal channels.

Ethical Leadership

A stronger UN means empowered human rights defenders

To mark Human Rights Day on 10 December, Hina Jilani argues that a stronger UN would deliver more universally implemented human rights. And this year, both are needed more than ever.

Ethical Leadership

Palestinian rights are human rights

The Elders' Policy and Advocacy Director Andrew Whitley considers the link between International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November and the Human Rights Day on 10 December and explains why the need to uphold Palestinian rights sh

COP21: hopes are high that Paris will be a turning point for climate change

As the COP21 climate summit approaches its final week, Mary Robinson and Gro Harlem Brundtland spoke to the BBC World Service about their hopes and fears for Paris.

Climate Change, Ethical Leadership

Palestine Refugees in Syria: A Recurring Tragedy

Refugees for over six decades, Palestinians in Syria face a precarious legal status given the civil war and renewed displacement. Mai Abu Moghli – a PhD candidate at the Institute of Education, University of London explains how some are falling through

How young people can combat violence against women

Violence against women is sometimes justified by abusers and perpetrators as a matter of ‘honour’. In this guest blog to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, youth activist Arifa Nasim from London explains how she

How can we deter our young from the lure of violent extremism?

In the wake of terrorist attacks in Paris and Beirut, the need to understand why our young are lured to violent extremism is more acute than ever. Our Middle East Analyst, Nigel Pearce recently attended a conference in Spain on ‘Preventing and Counterin

Four vital requirements to reach COP21 deal

World leaders are meeting in Paris to reach an agreement on climate change. The Elders have called for a strong, inclusive and equitable climate agreement in Paris. Here are four vital elements that The Elders are calling for leaders to resolve at COP21.

Ethical Leadership

G20 Antalya Summit: The Elders' letter to leaders on climate change

The Elders have written to world leaders attending the G20 Summit in Antalya, Turkey. They call for strong leadership to ensure an equitable and ambitious international agreement on climate change in Paris in December.

Ethical Leadership

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