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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.

Together we can end child marriage: building momentum in South Asia

"We can end child marriage, because together we can achieve anything." Youth campaigner Nitu, India In this new video from Girls Not Brides, campaigners from across South Asia – home to nearly half of the world's child brides – explain what motivates

Unlocking India’s potential: youth lead campaign to stop child marriage

“They want to be part of their country’s tremendous growth and opportunity; they want the chance to grow up before becoming parents themselves.” After returning from India, Gro Brundtland blogs about the Elders' visit to an innovative youth-led pro

Catalysing action to end child marriage – on the road with The Elders in India

“It may be hard to measure their direct impact on the global task of ending child marriage, but this visit, for me at least, has me convinced that The Elders are creating a real tipping point.” Pam Omidyar, founder of Humanity United and member of Th

“My life, my decision: stop child marriage”

In February 2012 four Elders travelled to Bihar, India, to meet a group of young people campaigning to stop child marriage. After listening to the teenage girls and boys, Desmond Tutu, Ela Bhatt, Gro Brundtland and Mary Robinson raised the issue with Biha

The Elders: Momentum is building to tackle child marriage in India

At the conclusion of a four-day visit, members of The Elders feel that momentum is building to tackle child marriage in India. During their visit the Elders met with political and business leaders, UN and NGO representatives as well as communities affecte

Eminent Indian leaders champion efforts to end child marriage in India

At a meeting in New Delhi co-hosted by The Elders and the Population Foundation of India, a group of Indian leaders from government, law, business, the arts and civil society have agreed to become 'champions for an end to child marriage'.

The Elders support efforts to address high child marriage rates in Bihar, India

“We believe that by listening to young people addressing child marriage and supporting their communities, we can make a huge difference in one generation” – Mary Robinson. Desmond Tutu, Ela Bhatt, Gro Brundtland and Mary Robinson visit a youth-led

Interview: UN former official Mary Robinson looks at Egypt 'between optimism and deep concern'

In an interview with the Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram, Mary Robinson says that the ruling military authorities need to transfer power as soon as possible and that the next constitution of Egypt needs to be representative of all segments of the Egyptian soc

Welcoming my fellow Elders to India

“We hope to listen to girls affected by child marriage, their parents, their teachers and community leaders – and amplify their needs and concerns in our conversations with government, media and other influential people.”Ela Bhatt is joined in India

الحكماء يؤيدون سعي فلسطين لنيل عضوية الأمم المتحدة

يتعين على الاتحاد الأوربي تبني موقف مشترك قوييعلن الحكماء عن دعمهم لقرار أممي يؤيد إقامة دولة فلسطينية. ولقد راسلت المجموعة وزراء خارجية ال

'The Elders' take a stand against child marriage

Why did The Elders, “more accustomed to sitting down with government officials in North and South Korea, antagonists in the Middle East or peacemakers in Africa,” decide to launch a global campaign to protect the basic rights of girls and women?Writin

ה-Elders מקדמים את הפיוס הפלסטיני בברכה

לאחר שחתמו הפלגים היריבים פתח וחמאס על הסכם פיוס, הפצירו ה-Elders בקהילה הבינלאומית, ובמיוחד בארה"ב, ישראל והאיחוד האירופי, לקבל התפתחות זו בברכ

الحكماء يرحبون بالمصالحة الفلسطينية

بعد توقيع الفصيلين الفلسطينيين المتنافسين - فتح وحماس - على اتفاق صلح، يحث الحكماء الدول المجاورة في المنطقة والمجتمع الدولي، وخصوصاً الولا

لابد للنساء أن يكن قلب مصر الجديدة النابض

في الوقت الذي يحتفل فيه المصريون بالعيد الأول لثورتهم التي أطاحت بمبارك ، ترى ماري روبنسون أنه قد آن أوان تحدي المعايير الذكورية التي لاتزا

The Elders to visit India with focus on girls’ development and the impact of child marriage

Press Conference in New Delhi, 9 February 2012 Desmond Tutu, Ela Bhatt, Gro Brundtland and Mary Robinson will visit India, home to an estimated one third of the world's child brides. They plan to meet political and business leaders, UN and NGO representa

Women, religion and change

“This shouldn’t be such a difficult topic for people of faith. It seems entirely consistent with the teachings of the world’s great religions that men and women are equal in the eyes of God.”After a meeting with fellow religious leaders at the Wor

Elders Alert: Achieving Sustainable Development for All – The Road to Rio

As the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability releases its report, The Elders urge political, business and civil society leaders around the world to take bold actions to build a more equitable and sustainable world for us all.

Bold action is needed to make sustainable development a reality

Today’s leaders must make binding decisions for the long term Looking ahead to Rio +20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development taking place in Brazil this June, the Elders say that 'business as usual' is no longer acceptable and urge world leader

Women must be at the heart of the new Egypt

As Egyptians celebrate the first anniversary of the uprising that removed Hosni Mubarak from power, Mary Robinson argues that it is time to challenge the patriarchal norms that continue to restrict women's political participation – and that Egypt's futu

Time to close the gap

"We can no longer ignore this growing distance between rich and poor. It is time to close the gap. It is time to talk about making real changes so that the world becomes a more equitable place."Ahead of his appearance in the opening session of the World E

"Women as the way forward": Davos 2012

WATCH LIVE: Desmond Tutu joins a panel discussion focusing on women's leadership - the first of its kind at the World Economic Forum. Moderated by New York Times columnist Nick Kristof, best known for his book Half The Sky, with panelists including Sheryl

الحكماء يهنئون الشعب المصري على إجراء انتخاباتٍ سلميةٍ

The Elders congratulate the Egyptian people on peaceful elections

Transfer of power from military to civilian rule should take place as soon as possible On the eve of the first anniversary of the Egyptian revolution, the Elders call on the transfer of power from military to civilian rule to take place as soon as possib

Kofi Annan note des progrès en Côte d’Ivoire mais souligne les défis auxquels le pays doit faire face

Le processus de réconciliation doit être ouvert et n’exclure personneKofi Annan note des progrès en Côte d’Ivoire mais souligne les défis auxquels le pays doit faire face

Kofi Annan sees progress, emphasises challenges facing Côte d'Ivoire

Reconciliation should be pursued in an open and inclusive manner"The task of reconciliation and healing must remain a priority" for Côte d'Ivoire, Kofi Annan says after a two-day visit to Abidjan.

الحكماء: نحتاج إلى إحلال السلام الحقيقي في الشرق الأوسط، وليس لعملية سلام فقط

يجب أن يكون لمفاوضات السلام بين الإسرائيليين و الفلسطينيين أساسٌ قائم على حقوق الإنسان - يرسّم الحدود ويعالج القضايا الأمنية أولاً. فبعد مر

الحكماء يحثون الولايات المتحدة على عدم عرقلة قرار الأمم المتحدة بشأن الاستيطان الاسرائيلي

المطالب المتعلقة بالحرية واحترام الحقوق الأساسية ليست أقل استعجالا في الضفة الغربية وقطاع غزة. يحث الحكماء واشنطن على تأييد مسودة قرار – ي

ה-Elders קוראים לארה"ב שלא לסכל את החלטת האו"ם על ההתנחלויות הישראליות

الحكماء يشجبون الجهود العسكرية الإسرائيلية لإبقاء ناشط فلسطيني بارز في السجن

الحكماء: فيتو الولايات المتحدة ضد قرار الأمم المتحدة لادانة المستوطنات الإسرائيلية أمر مؤسف للغاية

ה-Elders: הווטו האמריקאי על החלטת האו"ם בדבר ההתנחלויות הישראליות מצער מאד

המסר של דזמונד טוטו לפעילים: הטוב ינצח

דזמונד טוטו בדברי עידוד לאלה הנאבקים למען הצדק כפי שהם רואים אותו.

رسالة دزموند توتو إلى النشيطين: الله تعالى يسلط الحق

شارك ديزموند توتو كلماته بتشجيع ودعم المحاربين في سبيل ما يؤمنون بأنه الصواب.

Mission to Sudan

Climate change: Durban deal is a step forward

"The fact that the Durban Platform deal has a target of 2015 is, at last, recognition of the urgency of the issue facing us." Mary Robinson expresses her relief at the outcome of the Durban Climate Change Conference, and calls for ambition to move the wo

تعزيز البدائل غير العنفية

"إن الإجراءات الشعبية غير العنيفة من جانب الإسرائيلين والفلسطينيين بحاجة إلى الدعم إذا ما أريد لها النجاح و النمو".تدون جوليا باشا، مخرجة وم

קידום חלופות לא-אלימות

لابد أن يضع القادة الفلسطينيون قضيتهم الوطنية في المقدمة

مع إحراز إتفاقية الوحدة بين فتح و حماس قليلاً من التغيير الملموس بالنسبة إلى أغلبية الفلسطينيين، يوضح الأخضر الإبراهيمي ضرورة إلتزام الأحز

על המנהיגים הפלסטינים לשים את מטרתם הלאומית בראש

Addressing the food aid dilemma in North Korea: school meals

“Monitoring school feeding is far easier; the combination of the UN working at the source, and the parents and teachers protecting it at the destination, provides assurance that aid reaches the right people.” Katharina Zellweger, who has been involve

ללמוד מהעבר ולשמוע מהעתיד

ביום הראשון לביקורם במזרח התיכון ביקרו ה-Elders באתר ההנצחה "יד ושם" וכיבדו את זכר ששת מיליון היהודים שנספו בשואה. בשיחה ערה עם קבוצה מגוונת של א

التعلم من الماضي والاستماع إلى المستقبل

"شباب رائع. إنهم يرفعون المعنويات"

"צעירים נפלאים! הם מרוממים את רוחי"

ביום השני לביקורם במזרח התיכון באוגוסט 2009 נפגשו ה-Elders עם נשיא המדינה שמעון פרס ועם ראש ממשלת הרשות הפלסטינית סלאם פיאד. הם גם נכנסו לגדה המער

Despite flaws, UN Human Rights Council can bring progress

“If we let the UN Human Rights Council fail, we leave the field free to tyrants to call the shots.” In response to calls to abandon the UN Human Rights Council as a mechanism for protecting and promoting human rights around the world, former UN Secre

In need of climate justice

"We are alarmed that the expectations for the Durban climate change conference are so low." In an article published by Al Jazeera, Mary Robinson and Archbishop Desmond Tutu urge political leaders to agree on a new legal framework to cut greenhouse gas em

The decisions Africa needs from Durban climate conference

Kofi Annan writes in Uganda's Daily Monitor that African farmers are already suffering the effects of climate change. He argues that the Green Climate Fund to be launched at the Durban climate conference could be crucial for investing in "a uniquely

“There is a sense of buoyant democracy in Tunisia”

In this interview for the BBC World Service's Focus on Africa, Mary Robinson discusses the democratic transition in Tunisia after her visit to the country, where she met with Tunisian bloggers.

Building a brighter future for all: The Elders meet Brazilian youth

Throughout their work, the Elders strive to hear from young people. Having met youth of Cairo, Gaza, Jerusalem, Johannesburg, Nicosia, Pyongyang, Ramallah and Seoul in the past few years, they welcomed the opportunity of their biannual gathering in Rio de

Promoting non-violent alternatives

“Non-violent grassroots actions by Israelis and Palestinians need support if they are to succeed and grow.”Julia Bacha, filmmaker and Media Director at Just Vision, blogs about their new short film series telling the stories of Israelis and Palestinia

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