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Leaders and citizens alike must take their democratic responsibilities seriously in global election year

Elbegdorj Tsakhia

Elbegdorj Tsakhia calls on leaders and citizens to remember their democratic responsibilities in 2024 elections.

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

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

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be key in determining future geopolitical trends

Ricardo Lagos reflects the global ramifications of Putin's war and how the US-China relationship will be key in the future.

Elders Statements

The Elders call for a criminal tribunal to investigate alleged crime of aggression in Ukraine

Mary Robinson Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Impunity for aggressors must end if the international community is to deter acts of aggression in future.

Elders Statements

The Elders deplore Putin’s nuclear escalation and urge continued NATO restraint

President Vladimir Putin’s decision to place Russia’s strategic nuclear arsenal on “special alert” status is a reckless escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a reckless threat to world peace

Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon

The invasion is a flagrant violation of the United Nations Charter that threatens to destabilise world security.

Multilateral cooperation is needed to tackle shared global challenges

4 February 2022

Ban Ki-moon explores how collaboration between countries is needed to tackle COVID-19, climate change and conflicts.

Elders Statements

The Elders warn civilians will pay the price if diplomacy fails in Ukraine crisis

All parties must work for a peaceful solution through dialogue.

The Elders condemn Israel’s illegal settlement expansion and call on its allies to act

Israeli plans for more than 3,100 new homes in the West Bank threatens the viability of the two-state solution and violates Palestinian rights.

The Elders call for PM’s release after reported coup in Sudan

The Elders express concern at the reported coup in Sudan and call for the immediate release of Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok.

Speeches and Discussions

The international community must act responsibly on Afghanistan

Lakhdar Brahimi

Lakhdar Brahimi addresses the UN Security Council on the precarious situation in Afghanistan and calls for unity within the international community to support the Afghan people.

Elders Statements

The Elders condemn attempted coup in Guinea

The Elders condemn the attempted coup in Guinea and call on those behind it to immediately release President Alpha Condé.

The Elders call for UN unity and leadership on Afghanistan after Taliban takeover

The Elders call on the UN to lead the international community’s efforts to encourage a peaceful transition and protection of human rights of all Afghans, following the military takeover of Kabul by the Taliban.

The power of civil society in a post-pandemic world

At a time when the foundations of democracy are under siege, we must ensure a vibrant civil society to progress on pressing issues – from economic and educational inequality to racial justice and climate change, says Hina Jilani.

Elders Statements

Myanmar risks state failure without significant increase in international pressure, The Elders warn

The Elders call on the international community to intensify pressure on the military leadership in Myanmar to prevent the country descending into endemic violence and state failure.

Why democracy needs to open its doors to young people to tackle the climate crisis

Linus Dolder, a young climate activist living in Germany, shares his thoughts on youth participation in political processes and why it is crucial to ensure leaders treat the climate crisis with the urgency it requires.

Elders Statements

The Elders deeply regret the postponement of Palestinian elections

As Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas announces the postponement of parliamentary elections, Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson express concern for reconciliation and democratic rights.

ICC and Israel-Palestine: an investigation is a step towards justice

Mary Robinson underscores the importance of accountability and calls on the international community to support the International Criminal Court's decision to investigate the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Elders condemn military coup d’état in Myanmar

The Elders today condemned the coup d’état by the military in Myanmar and called on the international community to exert pressure for an immediate return to civilian rule.

2020: a year in review

2020 was a year like no other as COVID-19 wreaked havoc on people’s lives across the world. During this time, The Elders continued to deliver on Nelson Mandela’s mandate to “support courage where there is fear” and “inspire hope where there is despair”

The Elders hope for a sea-change in US engagement on global challenges

The Elders congratulate US President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their election victory.

Rebuilding Zimbabwe requires dialogue, solidarity, inclusivity, transparency and accountability

Mary Robinson shares a message of solidarity on the occasion of the third National Citizens Convention in Zimbabwe.

Speeches and Discussions

Justice is on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic

Ban Ki-moon condemns sustained attacks on democratic safeguards, human rights and the rule of law, and underscores the centrality of justice to building back better after the pandemic.

Speeches and Discussions

A century ago, too few leaders had the courage to tackle global threats collectively. Will today's leaders step up?

Warning about the terrible consequences of the failures of multilateralism and far-sighted leadership, Ban Ki-moon urges inclusive governance and collective action to solve global challenges.

Speeches and Discussions

Nationalism and partisan politics make it harder to tackle the existential threats to humanity.

Speaking online at the UN75 Virtual People's Forum on 14 May, Gro Harlem Brundtland discusses the new reality brought by COVID-19 and the attacks suffered by the multlateral system that have made the global fight against the pandemic even more difficult.

A global response to beat the virus is in all countries' interests. No one is safe until everyone is safe.

Ordinary citizens will remember which leaders stepped up to the challenge and delivered for their people, rather than retreating into shrill nationalism and the search for scapegoats, writes Gro Harlem Brundtland. First published in The Independent.

COVID-19 demands a collective, rights-based response

An uncontrolled contagion, no matter where in the world, and no matter how localised, is a threat to all of humanity. Elder and former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf writes on the need for global cooperation to beat COVID-19.

Speeches and Discussions

Multilateral solutions are vital to tackling the global challenges we face

As the United Nations marks the start of its 75th year, Mary Robinson addresses the Security Council on multilateralism, nuclear arms control and gender equality.

Elders Statements

Attacks on multilateral system threaten global peace and security

The Elders' statement on the unprecedented attack on multilateralism

The Elders call for open access to Kashmir to assess humanitarian and rights situation

The Elders today expressed grave concern at the recent killings by militants and security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir and urged both India and Pakistan to act with restraint and responsibility to defuse tensions.

Speeches and Discussions

True democracy implies solidarity with those to whom it is denied

Graça Machel calls on all sections of African society to assert the power of collective action in supporting democratic values and peaceful transitions across the continent.

Speeches and Discussions

Mary Robinson: honour Kofi Annan's legacy by countering today's rising isolationism

Mary Robinson reflects on the life of Kofi Annan, the values that were the driving force behind his sucesses and the legacy that must be defended in the face of rising populism and isolationism.

Speeches and Discussions

Putting gender inclusion at the centre of open government

Delivering the closing keynote on gender and inclusion, Mary Robinson calls on women to get involved in political struggles and show solidarity with each other to secure justice and open up the halls of government for our children and grandchildren.

Political reforms, refugees and health form main focus of Elders’ board meeting in Ethiopia

The Elders held their biannual board meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 19-22 May 2019.

The Elders welcome Ethiopia’s political reforms and urge full respect for rule of law

The Elders welcomed the wide-ranging reforms in Ethiopia introduced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and called on all leaders in the country to uphold the rule of law, foster a sense of national unity and defend the rights of refugees and displaced people.

Mary Robinson outlines priorities in her new role as Chair of The Elders

Mary Robinson reflects on her appointment as Chair of The Elders and our recent board meeting in London. In this, her first public message, she calls for holistic leadership that places the interests of ordinary people centre stage.

Elders Statements

The Elders call on Sri Lanka’s leaders to uphold constitutional law

The Elders express grave concern at the situation in Sri Lanka following President Maithripala Sirisena’s unconstitutional decision to dismiss Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament.

The Elders call for restraint and justice in Zimbabwe to honour Kofi Annan’s legacy

Ahead of the ruling by Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court on the 30 July election result, The Elders call on political leaders to honour Kofi Annan's legacy and the aspirations of the people of Zimbabwe by acting responsibly to avert further violence.

Kofi Annan will inspire generations – a tribute from Mary Robinson

Writing in The Irish Times, Mary Robinson reflects on the life and legacy of Kofi Annan.

Embracing Madiba's values: building a brighter future in Zimbabwe and South Africa

Mary Robinson reflects on her recent visits to South Africa for Mandela's centenary and to Zimbabwe as the country decides its future. 

The Elders call on all Zimbabweans to put national interest first as poll nears

Concluding their visit to Zimbabwe ahead of its pivotal general election, The Elders urge Zimbabweans to work together to ensure a free, fair and transparent poll on 30 July.

Annual Review 2017: #WalkTogether To Spark Hope In The World

2017 was a landmark year for the Elders. We celebrated our 10th anniversary in July and launched our Walk Together campaign to celebrate the freedoms Mandela dedicated his life to: Peace, Justice, Health and Equality. We also welcomed new members Ban Ki-m

The Elders deplore US Embassy move to Jerusalem as threat to peace

The Elders strongly criticised the US decision to move its Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem as a serious blow to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and urged other countries not to follow suit.

The Elders encourage integrity and transparency across Zimbabwe’s transition

The Elders today encouraged all political actors in Zimbabwe to deliver integrity and transparency across the country’s transition, including a level playing field ahead of the upcoming elections.

Elders at the Munich Security Conference 2018

On 16-18 February, Kofi Annan, Lakhdar Brahimi and Ernesto Zedillo attended the annual Munich Security Conference for panel discussions and bilateral meetings on conflict resolution in the Middle East and wider global issues including democracy and global

Hugh Masekela: A Tribute from The Elders

Remembering Hugh Masekela, a voice for justice whose music will live on to inspire future generations in their own struggles to build a freer, fairer world.

Lakhdar Brahimi: how the curtain fell on America’s moment in the Middle East

Lakhdar Brahimi discusses the current challenges facing the Middle East and calls for stronger regional cooperation in an interview for Chatham House's The World Today.

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Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon & Ernesto Zedillo enjoyed a good meeting with @antonioguterres at @UN. They discussed global security issues inc. Ukraine and Israel/Palestine, how to strengthen multilateralism amid geopolitical tensions, & plans for the upcoming Summit of the Future. pic.twitter.com/lY1HWKn8Ku
— The Elders (@TheElders) June 27, 2024

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