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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).

Ethical Leadership

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

The Elders urge G20 leaders to commit to a strong, inclusive and equitable climate deal

The Elders have written to the G20 heads of state and government on the need for a strong and just climate agreement at COP 21 in Paris.

Ethical Leadership

Who has the courage to protect refugees?

Hina Jilani, back from a series of meetings in Evian and Geneva, expresses her grave concern with the lack of political will to protect refugees during the current crisis and calls on political leaders to show more courage.

Ethical Leadership

How much do you know about violence against women?

25 November is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (EVAW). To mark this day and launch 16 Days of Activism we have complied a few questions on the subject. So take the quiz and test yourself. You may be surpr

Show political courage over the refugee crisis

The Elders urge European leaders to show political courage over the refugee crisis in a debate with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein and the Director General of the International Organization for Migration Bill Swing.

Ethical Leadership

Refugee Crisis: how language contributes to the fate of refugees

Europe is currently facing a crisis of conscience as refugees fleeing conflict in the Middle East and Africa seek asylum. Michael Diedring and John Dorber of the European Council on Refugees and Exiles explain how calculated use of language on the crisis

Syrian Refugee Crisis: towards new global coordination

On 27 October, The Elders will debate the lessons of the ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Director General of the International Organization of Migration. Follow on Twitter: #RefugeeCrisis

Ethical Leadership

How can the next Secretary-General secure the UN's future?

The Elders mark the UN's 70th anniversary by pressing for a more transparent Secretary-General selection process.

Why is climate action a justice issue of our time?

As the final round of climate negotiations before Paris begin today in Bonn, John Schellnhuber, founding Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research argues that if tomorrow won’t take care of itself, we need to take responsibility

Ethical Leadership

The UN at 70: Has our global experiment worked?

On 9 October, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Hina Jilani marked the seventieth anniversary of the UN, with its High Commissioner for Human Rights at an event hosted by the United Nations Association - UK in London’s historic Guildhall.

Ethical Leadership

Building momentum on global issues in New York

Last week, world leaders gathered in New York for the UN General Assembly. Four Elders travelled to the city to participate in the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals and host bilateral events on strengthening the UN.

The Elders and Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect call upon the UN Security Council to act to prevent mass atrocity crimes

Gro Harlem Brundtland and Hina Jilani joined others in calling for members of the UN Security Council to work collaboratively to enforce international law.

The tipping point for human rights

At 12.30pm EDT on Sunday, two Elders will be taking part in the 2015 Social Good Summit, in an event live streamed to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Tune in to watch it live.

Ethical Leadership

Four reasons why people think Iran wants the bomb

In the wake of the potentially historic nuclear agreement of 14 July 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 countries, those opposed to the deal – in the US and elsewhere – continue to assume that Iran has been working to acquire nuclear weapons for years, an

One flaw in the Sustainable Development Goals may make the difference between success and failure

Frances Stewart, Emeritus Professor of development economics at the University of Oxford and former Chair of the United Nations Committee for Development Policy, wonders if the weak coupling between economic growth and sustainability will do enough to cha

Elders in New York: building a stronger UN

Watch live: On 26 September Gro Harlem Brundtland, Hina Jilani and Ernesto Zedillo join experts, diplomats and UN officials to debate how to strengthen the UN.

What is fairness in the 21st century?

The Sustainable Development Goals will be launched on 24 September in New York. Martti Ahtisaari considers one fundamental value that underpins them all: fairness. And asks whether our understanding of what fairness means has changed in the 21st Century.

Martti Ahtisaari: the mediator

Martti Ahtisaari discusses his life and work as a global peacemaker and the challenges that face peace negotiators in today’s conflict zones.

Securing a sustainable future

Writing for Project Syndicate, Gro Harlem Brundtland and Graça Machel call on world leaders attending the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in September to commit to putting the words of the Goals into action, justly and effectively.

Ethical Leadership

What do you see?

In our final film, the Chair of the Elders, Kofi Annan recalls a pivotal lesson where he was taught through a simple exercise to look at the bigger picture - a fundamental requirement when wrestling with what is fair in the modern world. Join our conversa

Ethical Leadership

The pot economy

With the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in two days, Ela Bhatt shows us her Object of Fairness. Send us your object on Facebook or Twitter.

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A dividing line

Jimmy Carter, in our fifth of seven films, describes his Object of Fairness. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

Brazilian dreams

Fernando Henrique Cardoso, in our fourth film on fairness, looks at events in his lifetime and explains the object that to him represents fairness. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

A warning from the frontline of climate change

Leaders of the Pacific Islands are meeting this week to discuss the urgency of addressing climate change. Judge Tuiloma Neroni Slade, former Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, believes that the best protection against devastating

A stronger UN: The Elders hold high-level talks in Liechtenstein

As the UN celebrates its 70th year, three Elders travelled to Liechtenstein to participate in high-level discussions on strengthening the organisation with a distinguished and diverse group of experts.

The Elders urge world leaders to take bold and decisive action on climate in 2015

Ahead of the UN Sustainable Development Goals summit, The Elders call on world leaders to agree on a common approach that yields a “radical and sustainable” plan to tackle climate change.

Ethical Leadership

In the third film leading up to the launch of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, Hina Jilani describes how important it is to be resilient when pushing for change. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

An extraordinary quality

Our second of seven films on fairness is presented by Mary Robinson. Below she explains why the UDHR is so important to her that she carries it wherever she goes. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

In our first of seven films leading up to the launch of the Sustainable Development Goals, Martti Ahtisaari describes his object and what fairness means to him. Join in the discussion yourself on Facebook or Twitter.

Ethical Leadership

Fernando Henrique Cardoso: "Wherever democracy is at risk, there is Carter"

Writing in Americas Quarterly, Fernando Henrique Cardoso pays tribute to his fellow Elder, Jimmy Carter, outlining his relationship with Latin America, their friendship and his role a "great moral leader of our time".

Ethical Leadership

Gaza one year on: your questions answered (part two)

In the second part of our Q&A on Gaza Katleen Maes, Head of the Gaza Sub-Office of OCHA, and Tania Hary, Deputy Director of Gisha answer your questions.

Climate change: we cannot afford the new ‘normal’

While negotiations for a new global climate agreement take place this week in Bonn in preparation for COP21 in December, Filipino climate change researcher Mima Mendoza explains how a changing climate is devastating her home country and outlines why a str

Gaza one year on: your questions answered

Wednesday 26 August marks one year since the ceasefire that ended the Gaza war of 2014. However, one year later, little has been done to improve conditions in Gaza. We invited you to ask your questions on the situation in Gaza and passed these,

Your questions on Gaza - answered

On the anniversary of the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, Katleen Maes, Head of the Gaza Sub-Office of OCHA and Tania Hary, Deputy Director of Gisha, answer your questions on Gaza.

“Religion can empower women and raise their dignity”

Ela Bhatt argues that through religion women can often speak and act as one, empowering themselves in the process.

Iran: the complicated and uncertain prospect of economic sanctions relief explained

Legal specialist on international trade and compliance Eric Lorber analyses the obstacles to successfully lifting, and if needs be, re-imposing sanctions against Iran, and sets out the timeline of sanctions relief following the nuclear agreement.

A plea for Palestinian unity

Palestinian physician, activist, and politician, Mustafa Barghouti argues that political unity between the Palestinian people must be achieved before there can be hopes for peace in the region.

Israel & Palestine: Starting the peace process again, this time from the real world

Professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University, Nathan J. Brown wonders if, one year on from the Gaza war, now is the appropriate time to internationalise the peace process.

Confronting the challenge of climate change is a problem for us all

Speaking at the Sommet des Consciences pour le Climat in Paris, 21 July, Kofi Annan reflects on what kind of world he will be leaving his grandchildren and suggests that change is not only in the hands governments, but also businesses and individuals.

Take action this Mandela Day

This Mandela Day, Mary Robinson encourages us all to take up the challenge set by Nelson Mandela to "make a difference - to help others - and inspire change", creating a better world for everyone.

Israel & Palestine: what role for the US now?

Former Israeli Foreign Minister Shlomo Ben Ami argues that the United States must work alongside international actors to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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