News & Insight | Page 9 | The Elders

Clear all Filters 

Clear all Filters 

SHARE:

   

Children are the 'angels of the earth': we must do more to protect them

"How can we change attitudes in communities where child marriage isn’t seen as a problem? 'Who are you to tell us what to do?' they tell us." Muhammad Aslam of the Peace Foundation blogs about his work to tackle child marriage in rural Pakistan – and

A promise to girls

“The empowerment of girls holds the key to development and security for families, communities and societies worldwide.” In an opinion piece published in newspapers around the world for the International Day of the Girl, Desmond Tutu and Ela Bhatt cal

International Day of the Girl 2012

When we empower girls, everybody benefits

"Girls have no status, no protection and no prospects in many families and communities – and this is simply the way things are. Inequality is so entrenched that it isn’t even questioned." In a blog for DFID (the UK Department for International Devel

Day of the Girl: giving girls a voice

“Every three seconds, another girl becomes a child bride.” 11 October marks the first ever International Day of the Girl Child: a chance to amplify the voice of millions of girls everywhere being married off before the age of 18. Join Mary Robinson a

Google+ Hangout with Mary Robinson and child marriage activists

Why is child marriage the focus of the International Day of the Girl? How can we end this harmful practice that affects millions of girls every year? How can advocates and activists – especially young people all around the world – take a stand against

The Elders: the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan have brought their countries closer together

The Elders welcome commitment towards peace by Sudan and South Sudan, after the two countries reached agreements on oil, trade, a demilitarised buffer zone, and protections for the welfare and safety of their people. They urge leaders of both nations to b

Every Human Has Rights Media Awards

On 6 December 2008 in Paris, the Elders joined award-winning human rights journalists, leaders in civil society, and business and government leaders to celebrate the Every Human Has Rights campaign and participate in the EHHR Media Awards.

The Every Human Has Rights campaign launches!

The Elders and partners launched the Every Human Has Rights campaign in Cape Town on 10 December 2007 to celebrate the beginning of the 60th anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The campaign aimed to encourage and empower

The Elders enlist their grandchildren's help to warn of the perils of climate change

Martti Ahtisaari, Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu invited their grandchildren to join them at their meeting in Istanbul in October 2009 to remind the world of the catastrophic risk of climate

Nelson Mandela is reunited with the Elders

Nelson Mandela, who founded The Elders in 2007, met members of the group on Saturday 29 May 2010 at a private lunch in Johannesburg. The Elders, tasked by Mandela to be “a fiercely independent and robust force for good” were holding one of their regul

The Elders' visit to Cyprus

Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi travelled to Cyprus in October 2008. They sought to lend their support to the political leaders and members of civil society working to end the island's decades of division, and urge the international communi

Crisis in Zimbabwe

Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter and Graça Machel planned to travel to Zimbabwe in November 2008 in order to make a first-hand assessment of the humanitarian situation in the country. Following their refused entry into Zimbabwe, the Elders instead met leaders fr

Empty chair for Aung San Suu Kyi

During her period under house arrest, the Elders placed an empty chair at each of their board meetings to honour Aung San Suu Kyi and her country’s other political prisoners. Daw Suu Kyi stepped down as Honorary Elder following her election to Parliamen

Traditions are man-made, they can be changed

In a video from Half the Sky, a campaign dedicated to the empowerment of girls and women across the world, Desmond Tutu questions the sidelining of women in the name of custom or tradition. If these traditions are man-made, he argues, then they can be cha

On Peace Day, The Elders call for a truce in Blue Nile and South Kordofan, Sudan

“A day to realise the noblest dream there is: peace; an end to violence everywhere, within our homes, on our streets and between our societies, for the safety and dignity of all.” Desmond Tutu This year, to mark the International Day of Peace, The El

Egypt: building an inclusive democracy

“I believe the trend towards democracy in Egypt is inevitable.” Jimmy Carter Gro Harlem Brundtland and Jimmy Carter both recently travelled to Egypt to speak at the American University in Cairo about the country’s ongoing transition to a free, demo

The Elders welcome new funds to address the refugee crisis in South Sudan

In July, the Elders travelled to South Sudan and witnessed first-hand the humanitarian crisis taking place in the region. They welcome the generosity of the Omidyar family in donating funds towards improving the refugee situation in South Sudan, as well a

Feature: "Grandpa diplomacy"

“As we grow older, we become more tolerant. When we are young, we divide the world between those who are wrong and those who are right, and we are more impatient.” Desmond Tutu In a feature about The Elders, originally published in French in M, Le Mo

La diplomatie des papis

“On est plus tolérant en vieillissant. Quand on est jeune, on découpe le monde entre ceux qui ont tort et ceux qui ont raison, et on est plus impatient.” Desmond Tutu Dans une longue enquête consacrée aux Elders publiée par M, le magazine du Mon

Displacement crisis in Syria: no time to lose

“It is critical to reach an agreement with Syrian authorities on securing humanitarian access inside Syria and to ensure that funds are available to respond to the needs on the ground.” Five members of The Elders have joined leading humanitarian orga

The Elders welcome Lakhdar Brahimi’s appointment as Syria peace envoy

“We know of the talent that Lakhdar can bring to this peace mission, and hope that all of those in a position to help end this deadly conflict will speak and work with him.” Desmond Tutu The Elders congratulate Lakhdar Brahimi on his appointment as p

Elders+Youngers: building a sustainable and more equitable world for all

Final report – August 2012 In the spring of 2012, The Elders and four young activists began an inter-generational debate about the change needed to secure a sustainable future for our planet, in the run-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Developmen

سوريا: الحكماء يعبرون عن "عميق غضبهم" حيال فشل الجميع في وقف المذابح

Syria: The Elders express “deep moral outrage” at collective failure to halt carnage

“The blaming and finger-pointing at the highest levels of the international community are unconscionable distractions from the bloodshed, death and destruction unfolding each day in Syria.” Desmond Tutu While The Elders believe that any solution to t

Committing to end child marriage: Hillary Clinton meets the Elders

“An estimated one in three girls in the developing world is married before the age of 18.” As US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concluded her 11-day visit to Africa, she met Nelson Mandela and Graça Machel at their home in South Africa. After di

Freedom, truth, democracy: citizenship and common purpose

“My challenge today is to speak to you, South Africans, as your friend. A true friend tells you not only what you want to hear but also what you need to hear.” Mary Robinson delivered the Tenth Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Cape Town yesterday. Wh

The Elders pay tribute to Kofi Annan’s courage and dedication in his Syria peace effort

"Nobody could have taken up the mantle in such an unforgiving context, with as much courage, dedication and humility." Desmond Tutu The Elders urge the international community to unite to help end the Syrian crisis, following Kofi Annan's announcement th

The Elders on The World Tonight

“What can The Elders do that other groups and organisations, like the UN, can't do?” As The Elders celebrate five years since Nelson Mandela founded the organisation, Desmond Tutu and Mary Robinson join Robin Lustig on BBC Radio 4’s The World Tonig

Graça Machel appointed to UN Panel on post-2015 development agenda

Early marriage robs children of their opportunities

"With or without legislation, we urge the Obama administration to make eliminating child marriage a foreign policy goal." Writing in the Washington Post, Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu say we are not doing enough to fulfil our responsibility to protect y

From Juba to Brussels: our meetings with EU leaders

“Our visit was very timely; just a few days ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting at which Sudan and South Sudan would be on the agenda.” Mary Robinson blogs about visiting Brussels a week after travelling to Ethiopia and South S

Encouraging the path of peace for Sudan and South Sudan

Following the May 2012 visit to Sudan by Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi, in July 2012 Desmond Tutu, Martti Ahtisaari and Mary Robinson travelled to the region to further encourage peace efforts between Sudan and South Sudan.

Inspiring positive action for Mandela Day

Taking place on 18 July, Mandela Day is inspired by the 67 years that Nelson Mandela gave fighting for justice and human rights and encourages people around the world to give 67 minutes of their time to serve their communities. During their visit to Lond

South Sudan’s peace dividends: the short and long term goals

“While outsiders such as the AU and the UN can help, what is crucial is for the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan to talk directly and build mutual trust; the task cannot be left to anybody else” Martti Ahtisaari argues that Sudan and South Sudan need

Five years of working together for peace and human rights: The Elders in London

In July 2012, Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter and Mary Robinson visited London where they took part in a public debate at the Barbican to commemorate the five years since Nelson Mandela founded The Elders. They also held meetings with the UK Foreign Secretary

Bringing intergenerational dialogue to Rio+20

“You have not told us to 'calm down', that we don't need to be radical; you have instead told us that we have the power to make change happen – and that is what we need to hear!” Sara Svensson In June 2012, following eight weeks of online deba

Finding resilience in a fragile place: the Elders visit Yusuf Batil

"We came to show our solidarity to Blue Nile refugees and to underscore our call for peace" – Desmond Tutu. As the people of South Sudan celebrated their first year of independence, three Elders travelled to the region to encourage dialogue between Sud

Under critical strain: our visit to Yusuf Batil refugee camp

“The camp, which did not exist two months ago, is remarkably well organised. And yet the international community is not doing enough to support them.” Exactly one year since South Sudan gained its independence, Mary Robinson blogs about the Elders' v

Rio+20 didn’t go far enough - what now?

“Before the conference, you asked me what I wanted to see at Rio+20. I told you that I wanted world leaders to step up, look into each others’ eyes and recognise the urgency, recognise what is at stake. Did this happen? I don’t think so.” Gro Har

The Elders congratulate South Sudan on first anniversary of independence

They urge Khartoum and Juba to resolve outstanding issues and recommit to building two viable states Concluding a five-day visit to the region, Desmond Tutu, Martti Ahtisaari and Mary Robinson call on President Salva Kiir of South Sudan and President Oma

Interview: Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu on Sudan & South Sudan

During their visit to London last week Desmond Tutu and Mary Robinson were interviewed by CNN's Becky Anderson about their upcoming trip to Sudan & South Sudan, the current situation there, and what they hoped to achieve.

The Elders visit South Sudan in sombre mood and urge continued dialogue with Khartoum

“Dialogue is the only way to resolve differences and to build two viable states; military force is a dead-end, promising nothing but suffering and misery” – Desmond Tutu In a meeting today with President Salva Kiir, and as South Sudan prepares

End the suffering in the Sudans

"We are already witnessing an unbearable catastrophe with the fighting in Blue Nile and South Kordofan in Sudan, and the ensuing outpouring of refugees into South Sudan and Ethiopia." Writing from Addis Ababa at the start of an Elders delegation to Sudan

Media advisory: Desmond Tutu and fellow Elders to visit South Sudan and Sudan to encourage peace efforts

Press Conference in Juba on Friday 6 JulyPress Conference in Khartoum on Tuesday 10 July Desmond Tutu, Martti Ahtisaari and Mary Robinson visit Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan to support the African Union-led peace talks and to draw attention to the grow

A cruel and unusual record

Forging a peace plan for Syria

“It is time for all who have influence on the parties, and all who bear responsibility for international peace and security, to act positively for peace.” Writing in the Washington Post, Kofi Annan calls on the international community to support Syri

Reflecting on Mandela’s mission and the global challenges ahead

Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu visit London Three Elders are in London this week to further their work on some of the biggest issues facing the world today. They will be engaging with the public, meeting parliamentarians and, in the spirit

Celebrating Mandela Day by building a better world

In celebration of Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, Mandela Day encourages all of us to make a difference in our communities. In advance of Mandela Day, three Elders will spend time with grassroots organisations in London and speak at a public event abo

Celebrating five years of The Elders

Marking five years since Nelson Mandela founded The Elders, Intelligence Squared hosted an event with Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu in conversation with Jon Snow at the Barbican in London on Monday 2 July 2012. Watch the video of the evenin

Was Rio+20 a failure of political leadership?

"If government representatives had heard the heartfelt yearning for change, perhaps they would have given their negotiators a stronger mandate: a mandate to create the future we want and which the earth needs." Writing for CNN, Mary Robinson echoes the f

For the future of our planet, a dialogue between generations

“I share the frustration of millions, outraged at the indifference world leaders are demonstrating towards some of the toughest and most urgent challenges we face today.” Writing in the Huffington Post, Desmond Tutu voices his exasperation with our

Earth Agonistes

"Like no other generation before, we can choose the type of future that we will leave to the next generation. A transition to a safe and prosperous future is possible, but will require the full use of humanity’s extraordinary capacity for innovation and

Tackling poverty and inequality must be at the heart of Rio+20

"We cannot continue to live as we do now." Writing as Global Ambassador for Oxfam International as Rio+20 begins, Desmond Tutu reflects on the achievements of the first Rio Earth Summit twenty years ago and calls for strong, unequivocal political co

Rio+20 is not the response we need to safeguard people and the planet

“This is a ‘once in a generation’ moment when the world needs vision, commitment and above all, leadership. Sadly, the current document is a failure of leadership." Mary Robinson The Elders welcome provisions for global Sustainable Development Goal

The success or failure of Rio+20 will be a defining moment for today’s youth

"There are 3.5 billion people under the age of 30 in the world today – half the global population. It is their future that is at stake in Rio, not ours." Fernando Henrique Cardoso As world leaders gather in Brazil for the Rio+20 summit, both Elders and

Video Q&A: Elders+Youngers in Rio

As world leaders gather in Brazil for Rio+20, the Elders and Youngers answer your questions on sustainable development, the world we want and how we can achieve it. Watch the Q&A videos of Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Mary Robinson and Gro Harlem

Elders+Youngers: it's our future, it's our time

Four Elders and four Youngers. Seven billion people, one planet and one future. Join Elders+Youngers as they take the debate to Rio, where world leaders will come together to decide the planet we leave for future generations.

Soldiers, politicians and constitutions: Why it matters to all Egyptians to get the relationship right

“Egypt has a people who are passionate about the future of their country – and refuse any longer to be taken for granted.” Martti Ahtisaari considers some of the key challenges facing the emerging Egyptian democracy, and argues that the there is an

We know the problems, we know the solutions – how do we make Rio+20 count?

"When I grow up, I can be an Elder one day"

“We have the largest generation of young persons in the history of mankind; things are changing.” Esther Agbarakwe, a young activist participating in the Elders+Youngers debate speaks about her experience getting involved in the initiative in this in

Are girls better at saving the planet than boys?

"We think ahead. We are practical. We are inherently more likely to think inter-generationally." In a new Elders+Youngers debate, Mary Robinson argues that because women suffer disproportionately from poverty and social inequality, they are more likely t

The Elders express concern for future of Grameen Bank

In this statement, The Elders express their full support of former Elder Muhammad Yunus after the announcement of a Commission of Inquiry to review the ownership of Grameen Bank, the microfinance organisation founded by Professor Yunus in 1983.

Rio+20's opportunity will be squandered without courage and vision

"We have not yet seen the necessary courage or political will to turn good intentions into effective, collective action." In an opinion piece published in newspapers around the world, Gro Brundtland and Fernando H Cardoso outline the key steps that must

Does GDP make us happy?

"It is accepted now that high economic growth rates do not necessarily translate into positive social developments but, for lack of consensus on what we should be measuring instead, our leaders remain obsessed with it." Fernando Henrique Cardoso calls fo

Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi in Sudan to support peace efforts

جيمي كارتر – “.ان بناء الثقة و العلاقات البناءة بين السودان و جنوب السودان عاجل للغاية” Two members of The Elders, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former Algerian Minister o

Jimmy Carter and Lakhdar Brahimi in Sudan to support peace efforts

“Building confidence and constructive relations between Sudan and South Sudan is urgent” – Jimmy Carter Two members of The Elders, former US President Jimmy Carter and former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi, met President Omar Al-Bashir i

How to create the change we want?

“The Elders' generation got agreements signed and solutions designed. But let’s be honest here: most actions for sustainable development are cosmetic, ignorant or thwarted.” 27-year old Swedish activist Sara argues for a more radical approach. Exac

“You are going to succeed where we failed”: the Elders meet the ‘Youngers’

“One of the most incredible sources of energy for me is when I am with young people – sorry oldies!” Desmond Tutu In May 2012 four 'Youngers' – climate change activists from Nigeria, Brazil, Sweden and China – joined the Elders at their bi-annu

Elders+Youngers: live debate in Oslo

What will a cleaner tomorrow look like? How do you empower young people? How can countries with different ideologies and cultures reach a consensus over our environment and development? Desmond Tutu, Mary Robinson, and Gro Brundtland debated these questi

A Rio+20 deve resgatar o futuro, avisam “Elders” e os “Youngers” aos líderes de hoje

“Vocês devem obter sucesso onde nós falhamos” - Desmond Tutu The Elders lançam um debate global jovens líderes para inspirar a mudança urgente necessária para criar um mundo mais igualitário e sustentável, antes da Rio+20.

Rio+20 must rescue the future, Elders and ‘Youngers’ tell today’s leaders

"You must succeed where we have failed" - Desmond Tutu, in the run up to Rio+20. The Elders launch a global debate with young leaders to inspire the urgent change needed to build a more equitable and sustainable world.

What kind of world do we want for our great-great-grandchildren?

Is sustainable development a luxury we cannot afford?

"The great challenges we all face are very clear: poverty eating away at our social fabric; our dwindling ecosystems; the well-documented threat of climate change... And yet so many of our leaders tend to put these challenges right at the bottom of their

Elders & Youngers live debate - Join us!

Join the Elders+Youngers online for a live debate from Oslo, Norway. Desmond Tutu, Mary Robinson and Gro Brundtland will be debating with two young activists, Esther and Marvin, to find fresh ideas for the future of our planet, as part of our new Elders+Y

Mabel van Oranje resigns as CEO of The Elders

The Elders have reluctantly accepted the resignation of Mabel van Oranje as Chief Executive Officer of the organisation, with immediate effect.

Côte d’Ivoire : Les Elders demandent une action plus résolue en faveur de la réconciliation

« Je ne soulignerai jamais assez l’importance d’un processus de réconciliation qui n’exclut personne. Voilà qui pourrait changer le climat en Côte d’Ivoire, pour le meilleur et pour toujours. » Desmond Tutu Un an après leur visite en C

Côte d’Ivoire: The Elders call for more decisive steps towards reconciliation

"An inclusive reconciliation process could transform the climate in Côte d’Ivoire, for the best and forever – I cannot stress this enough." Desmond Tutu A year on from their visit, the Elders remark on the progress made in Côte d'Ivoire by Pre

People, profit and the environment – can we balance them all?

"What we have today is an economy that simply hasn’t been able to guarantee that we all stay above a basic social foundation and below a safe environmental ceiling." As the 'Elders+Youngers' online discussion begins, Pedro Telles of Brazil asks: Why is

We have always been impatient, but change is now urgent

“Economies are stalling. Ecosystems are under siege. Inequality – within and between countries – is soaring. I will make the point I always make: these afflictions are clearly rooted in political short-sightedness, where narrow interests triumph ove

The Elders urge the Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan to return to the negotiating table

Only dialogue can avoid another humanitarian catastrophe Following recent clashes along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders have warned of a potential humanitarian crisis and called on the two leaders to return to dialogue.

Introducing: Esther

Introducing: Sara

Introducing: Pedro

“I dedicate my life to help build a world where everyone can be free to self-determine how they want to live their lives” Pedro, a socio-environmental activist from Brazil, is one of the four ‘Youngers’, taking part in the Elders and Youngers deb

Introducing: Marvin

Meet the Youngers: Sara

“When I was five years old, I discovered that something is seriously wrong with the way people treat our planet.” Sara from Sweden is one of four young environmental activists taking part in the Elders+Youngers debate leading up to the Rio+20 summit.

Meet the Youngers: Pedro

“When people ask me what I do for a living I like to present myself as a socio-environmentalist.” Pedro shares his experience working towards overcoming the social, economic, environmental and political issues facing Brazil and the wider world. As Ri

Meet the Youngers: Marvin

“I believe in the power of each individual no matter how cruel the political and economical system may be.” As he joins the Elders+Youngers debate ahead of the Rio+20 summit in June, climate change activist Marvin talks about his experience of promot

Meet the Youngers: Esther

“We believe that when young people know the urgency of the climate crisis they will act.” Esther is one of the four Youngers taking part in the Elders+Youngers debate ahead of the Rio+20 summit. She describes how health and education issues in Nigeri

The Elders congratulate Aung San Suu Kyi ahead of her appearance in parliament in Burma/Myanmar

“We pray that Aung San Suu Kyi and her country are now on a path to freedom” – Desmond Tutu After pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi was elected to parliament in Burma/Myanmar, The Elders welcome the positive reforms taking place and announce th

A moral leader: India’s chance to spearhead efforts to end child marriage worldwide

“Indian communities and their leaders are starting to realise how much potential lies in the empowerment of their sisters, mothers, wives and daughters.” Despite India's rapid economic growth, it remains home to one third of the world's poorest peopl

التنمية المستدامة والديمقراطية والسلام: دور المرأة الرئيسي

"هل قدم الرجال للسلام أكثر مما قدمته النساء؟ لا أعتقد ذلك". جرو هارلم برندتلاند يلقي محاضرة نادية يونس التذكارية في الجامعة الأمريكية في الق

North Korea: new leader, new opportunities

“The year 2012 might be a great opportunity for the West to dramatically improve relations with North Korea. We should give Kim Jong Un a chance. What do we have to lose?” Rudiger Frank, Professor of East Asian Economy and Society at the University o

التنمية المستدامة والديمقراطية والسلام: دور المرأة الرئيسي

جرو هارلم برندتلاند يلقي محاضرة نادية يونس التذكارية في الجامعة الأمريكية في القاهرة – 12 مارس 2012

Ethical Leadership

Sustainable development, democracy, peace: the key role of women

“Have men done more for peace than have women? I don’t think so.” Gro Harlem Brundtland delivers the Nadia Younes Memorial Lecture at the American University in Cairo, 12 March 2012.

Sustainable development, democracy, peace: the key role of women

Gro Harlem Brundtland delivers the Nadia Younes Memorial Lecture at the American University in Cairo, 12 March 2012.

Ethical Leadership

Promoting women’s rights worldwide

Equality for girls and women has been a core focus of The Elders’ work ever since the organisation was founded. To mark International Women’s Day 2012, we revisit some of their work with women in Sudan, the Middle East, Cyprus, Côte d’Ivoire and No

The Elders welcome US-North Korea agreement on nuclear moratorium and food aid to North Korean people

The Elders welcome the news that North Korea has agreed to suspend its nuclear activities. They also commend the United States on its decision to send much-needed food aid to the North Korean population, and express hope that dialogue and trust-building b

منظمة الحكماء تدعو إلى وقف فوري للعنف في سوريا

The Elders call for an immediate halt to violence in Syria

A humanitarian pause is urgently required As violence in Syria continues to threaten the safety of thousands of people, The Elders call on the Syrian government to halt its military assault and enable a “humanitarian pause” to allow medical assistanc

Kofi Annan temporarily withdraws from The Elders following his appointment as Joint Special Envoy of the United Nations and the League of Arab States on the Syrian crisis

In respect of the requirement that Elders are free to speak and act independently, and to allow him to devote his full energies to his critical new assignment, Kofi Annan has decided to recuse himself as a member of The Elders.

Our duty to Sri Lanka, and human rights

Writing in The Guardian as the UN Human Rights Council session opens in Geneva, Archbishop Tutu and Mary Robinson say it is not just Sri Lanka's people that the Council must serve this week, but the cause of international law.

Pages

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Join the conversation

Latest content from our social channels

 Newsletter



Keep up to date with The Elders latest News and Insight:

Sign up to receive monthly newsletters from The Elders. We will occasionally send you other special updates and news, but we'll never share your email address with third parties.

Name *

Email *

Country

I agree to be contacted by email. Privacy Policy

Close