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Real leadership is rooted in moral courage, not ego

In our latest newsletter, Graça Machel calls for moral courage and principled leadership to confront today’s global crises

Elders Statements

The Elders warn US, Israeli strikes on Iran have intensified global nuclear proliferation risks

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders warn that US and Israeli strikes on Iran risk normalising force over the rule of law, and urge all parties to avoid further unilateral or retaliatory military action

Ban Ki-moon becomes Elder Emeritus

The Elders announced today that Ban Ki-moon will step down from full-time duties and become an Elder Emeritus.

"To build peace, recognise State of Palestine", Elders' open letter urges Canada, France and UK leaders

Juan Manuel Santos

Elders' open letter call: Recognise State of Palestine to build peace

The UN saved my family, now we must find the courage to save it

In our latest newsletter, Ban Ki-moon says the UN needs bold reform to ensure it serves and protects humanity.

Elders Statements

The Elders call for collective action by governments to end Palestinian suffering in Gaza

Juan Manuel Santos

The Elders call on political leaders to end their inaction in the face of atrocities committed against the Palestinian people.

“No More Hiroshimas”: the Elders call for urgent nuclear dialogue as conflict risks rise

Eighty years since the atomic bombing, The Elders call on leaders to take meaningful steps to minimise nuclear risks, revitalise dialogue on arms control and de-escalate nuclear modernisation.

Elders Statements

In the face of today's existential threats, we must draw strength from Nelson Mandela's legacy

Mary Robinson Graça Machel Gro Harlem Brundtland

To mark Nelson Mandela Day, Mary Robinson, Graça Machel and Gro Harlem Brundltand reflect on his enduring legacy.

We must never give up on peace and justice

In The Elders' latest newsletter, Ban Ki-moon reflects on his recent visit to Israel and Palestine, and considers links between the global challenges of the climate crisis and conflict.

Mary Robinson joins President Zelenskyy and Greta Thunberg to discuss environmental consequences of war

Mary Robinson joins President Zelenskyy, Greta Thunberg and others in Kyiv to discuss environmental consequences of war.

Elders support peace and justice amid worsening violence in Israel and Palestine

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon

Mary Robinson and Ban Ki-moon visited Israel and Palestine from 20-22 June 2023, on the first Elders’ mission to the region since a 2015 mission by Jimmy Carter and Gro Brundtland.

Elders warn of consequences of “one-state reality” in Israel and Palestine

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon

Elders warn of consequences of “one-state reality” in Israel and Palestine

اللغة العربية

Conflict-related sexual violence must end

To mark International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, Graça Machel calls on leaders to work more urgently to prevent this crime, to challenge impunity, and to support and protect survivors.

The Elders to visit Israel and Palestine from 20-22 June

Mary Robinson and Ban Ki-moon will visit Israel and Palestine from 20-22 June as part of The Elders’ long-standing support for a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the principle of two states.

Reflections from the Elders' board meeting in Seoul

Ernesto Zedillo

In The Elders' latest newsletter, Ernesto Zedillo reflects on the multilateral action needed to address the existential threats facing humanity.

Speeches and Discussions

Cooperation on climate, peace and security is needed now

Juan Manuel Santos

At the UN Security Council meeting on climate, peace and security, Juan Manuel Santos underscored the importance of bold leadership and multilateral cooperation in tackling the interlinked global challenges of the climate crisis and conflict.

Elders Statements

The Elders urge global co-operation to manage risks and share benefits of AI

The Elders today call on world leaders to work together urgently on the design of strong international governance, to allow all humanity to take advantage of the opportunities of Artificial Intelligence (AI), while limiting the enormous risks.

Nuclear states must now act following G7 statement

As the G7 leaders release their Hiroshima Vision on Nuclear Disarmament, The Chair of The Elders, Mary Robinson, stresses this must now lead to meaningful dialogue and action from nuclear states.

Speeches and Discussions

Global health security relies on coordinated political leadership at the highest levels

Gro Harlem Brundtland

At the 75th anniversary of the World Health Organization, Gro Harlem Brundtland reiterated The Elders' priorities for ensuring pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and strengthening global health security.

Addressing global challenges requires multilateral action

There is an urgent need for political will in scaling up support from multilateral institutions to address the threats facing humanity today, says Ricardo Lagos.

Annual Review 2022: Building Unity for Peace and Justice

The Elders' 2022 Annual Review is now available to download. It highlights our activities from the past year, including our visit to Ukraine, engagement with climate leaders, and discussions with members of the UN Security Council on global crises.

Ban Ki-moon calls for an urgent change of direction in Myanmar

Ban Ki-moon calls for an urgent change of direction in Myanmar

ဗမာဘာသာစကား

The path to an international tribunal on aggression in Ukraine must run through the UNGA

Ban Ki-moon urges leaders at the UNGA to support an international tribunal as a way to hold Russia's top leadership accountable for the crime of aggression in Ukraine, tackle impunity and defend the essence of the UN Charter.

Speeches and Discussions

2023 must be a year of change in global financing to prepare for pandemic threats

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf gave a speech at a World Bank reception and called for commitments by world leaders to financing global pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

International financial institution ambition needed to rebuild trust in multilateralism

Juan Manuel Santos

In an op-ed for the Financial Times, Juan Manuel Santos calls on World Bank and IMF governors to take the “historic opportunity to address the triple crises of climate, debt and poverty.”

With bold political will, a safe future is still possible

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf considers the action needed from leaders in 2023 on gender equality, pandemics and the climate crisis.

Speeches and Discussions

Why women's leadership is vital in an uncertain world

Mary Robinson gave a keynote address to the Women’s Empowerment Assembly in Tokyo on the importance of women's leadership in creating a peaceful, sustainable and equitable future.

Speeches and Discussions

2023 and beyond: Our responsibilities to the future of the world

Mary Robinson gave a keynote speech at the Tokyo Conference 2023, urging Japan to use its G7 Presidency to push for urgent action on existential threats and concerted efforts to strengthen the multilateral system.

The Elders push for ambitious action ahead of G7 in Japan

The Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, will be in Japan from 24 March to deliver a keynote address on multilateralism and global threats to the Tokyo Conference.

Women must be seen as vital agents for peace

Graça Machel Juan Manuel Santos Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

On International Women’s Day 2023, The Elders call on governments and institutions to support women peace-builders and recognise their essential role in achieving just and sustainable peace around the world.

Focus hub: International Women's Day 2023

To mark International Women's Day 2023, The Elders launch a digital focus hub to support and highlight the voices of women working on the frontlines of peace-building in their countries and communities.

Women’s voices and ideas must be prioritised at the highest levels of decision-making

Sarah Little, journalist and founder of More to Her Story, explains the voices of women and girls must be prioritised if lasting peace and prosperity is to be achieved.

Unified support for Ukraine is as vital as ever

Gro Harlem Brundtland

Gro Harlem Brundtland considers the importance of global solidarity and unity in support of Ukraine, one year after President Putin launched his full-scale invasion.

Unity on Ukraine is unity on peace and justice

Ban Ki-moon Juan Manuel Santos

One year after Putin's invasion, Ban Ki-moon and Juan Manuel Santos affirm that unity in support of Ukraine is crucial for upholding the broader rules-based global order.

Elders Statements

The Elders call for international condemnation of Russia's New START suspension

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon

On the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, The Elders call on all UN member states to condemn President Putin’s latest efforts to escalate his illegal war on Ukraine through suspending Russia’s participation in New START.

Global unity, justice and peace: The Elders’ priorities at the Munich Security Conference

Gro Harlem Brundtland Elbegdorj Tsakhia Juan Manuel Santos Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

The Elders called for global unity in the face of Russia’s war on Ukraine and greater recognition of the impact and challenges this conflict poses for countries in the Global South at the Munich Security Conference.

On existential threats, political leaders are not doing enough

Elbegdorj Tsakhia

Elbegdorj Tsakhia reflects on the unveiling of the Doomsday Clock, The Elders' new strategy, and the urgency needed from political leaders on existential threats.

Elders Statements

The Elders warn urgent action on climate, pandemics, nuclear weapons needed to turn back hands of the Doomsday Clock

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon Elbegdorj Tsakhia

Elders Statement: The Elders warn urgent action on climate, pandemics, nuclear weapons needed to turn back hands of the Doomsday Clock.

The Elders’ new strategy sets out to address humanity’s existential threats

Mary Robinson Graça Machel Ban Ki-moon

The Elders today launch a new strategy, setting out to address the existential threats facing humanity.

Remembering 2022, a year of crisis, courage and hope

Mary Robinson reflects on the past year: the impact of existential threats, the courage of all who stood up to demand a better future, and the action needed to address the interconnected crises we face.

Speeches and Discussions

Cooperation between China and the EU on the climate crisis is essential

Mary Robinson gave a virtual speech at the Green Sustainable Development Conference in China on the importance of climate action cooperation between China and the EU.

Nobody left behind: equitable, sustainable and inclusive Universal Health Coverage for all

The Elders today publish a new Charter for Equitable, Sustainable and Inclusive Universal Health Coverage, marking the culmination of their work on UHC since 2016.

To maintain trust in the multilateral system, leaders must step up and stand by their promises

Ernesto Zedillo

Ernesto Zedillo reflects on the importance of strong leadership, accountability and action to tackle global threats, affirming the need for the world's biggest economies to do more and stand by their promises on multilateral cooperation.

Leaders must tackle root causes of gender-based violence and ensure justice for all

Hina Jilani Ricardo Lagos

To mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2022, The Elders call on leaders to tackle root causes of gender-based violence to ensure justice for all.

Elders Statements

The Elders welcome historic breakthrough on loss and damage at COP27, but call on G20 leaders to phase out fossil fuels faster

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon Graça Machel

Elders Statement: The agreement reached at COP27 in Egypt shows that solidarity and co-operation between nations on the world’s most pressing issues is possible through negotiation and compromise, even in testing times.

Speeches and Discussions

Remembering Ela Bhatt's life, wisdom and legacy

Mary Robinson Ela Bhatt

On Saturday 19 November Mary Robinson celebrated Ela Bhatt's life and legacy at a memorial service in Ahmedabad.

Speeches and Discussions

A truly 'just' transition must be rooted in human rights and equality

On Saturday 12 November Mary Robinson called for just transitions to be rooted in human rights at a COP27 roundtable discussion exploring the importance of Just Transitions and how to achieve them in practice around the world.

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Today marks 80 years since the UN Charter was signed, but celebration feels hollow. As key powers retreat from multilateralism, this is a moment for moral courage: to reform the UN & revive cooperation.

Ban Ki-moon & @HelenClarkNZ in @TheEconomist: https://t.co/qpvVS1W6Fw
— The Elders (@TheElders) June 26, 2025

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