Marking the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, The Elders call for determined and principled leadership that recognises that global challenges require global solutions. 

The Elders have published a new report in defence of multilateralism to mark the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations.

Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has starkly exposed the vulnerabilities and faultlines of our interconnected world, The Elders call on world leaders to recognise that global challenges like pandemics, climate change and nuclear proliferation require global solutions.

In their report, The Elders have issued five calls to action for global leaders:

1. A clear, unambiguous and unapologetic recommitment to the values and responsibilities enshrined within the UN Charter to “save the world from the scourge of war”;

2. Redoubling efforts to ensure that the United Nations is able to fulfil its mandate as the “centre for harmonising the actions of nations” as a means of collectively solving the most pressing global problems;

3. Decisive and sustained action and financial support to strengthen global health systems, embedding resilience and long-term planning on a global level in line with the recommendations of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board.

4. Increased multilateral ambition on climate action, emission reductions and financing for a sustainable and just transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2050;

5. A sustained, global effort to mobilise citizens, civil society, businesses and other stakeholders towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and ensuring a fairer future for humanity.

Read the full report: “Hope for a sea-change: Why multilateralism must reshape the world after COVID-19”

Read in French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese