Skip to main content
Climate crisis
Pandemics
Nuclear weapons
Elders Statements

Intergenerational Call to Action: The world is speaking, are we listening?


Share this:
The Elders and guests join hands in solidarity as they launch the Intergenerational Call to Action at the long-view leadership event in New York, 20 September, 2024.
Ahead of the UN Summit of the Future, The Elders have collaborated with a group of young experts and activists to produce this Intergenerational Call To Action. Drawing on specially-commissioned global polling, it highlights key existential threats which require ethical, collaborative and long-view leadership: the climate and nature crisis, pandemics, nuclear weapons and Artificial Intelligence.
 

The Call to Action text

The world is at a crossroads, facing existential threats such as the climate and nature crisis, pandemics, nuclear weapons and artificial intelligence. Among these existential threats, escalating global conflicts further jeopardise our collective security and stability. These challenges do not belong to one generation; they affect us all.

A global survey of over 10,000 people of all ages reveals some powerful messages. 76% agree that climate change is our greatest threat, and 77% believe leadership must be shared across generations. The message is clear: we need leaders who think beyond short-term goals and take action for a future that benefits everyone. Leaders who respect the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, support initiatives that strengthen social bonds, combating isolation and discrimination across all demographics. The Summit of the Future offers a crucial platform for this intergenerational dialogue to address our shared challenges.  In this pivotal moment of Earth's story, we must provide an opportunity for all countries to share their unique perspectives, collectively shaping a better tomorrow. Only by standing together can we secure a future for generations to come.

Pandemics: Building Resilience for Tomorrow

The COVID-19 pandemic showed us how vulnerable we are and how interconnected our world has become. It affected everyone differently: youth education and development was significantly set back, while older generations were more at risk of serious illness and mortality. 71% recognise pandemics as a significant threat, and 77% believe in the power of international cooperation to ensure everyone has access to vaccines and treatments, no matter where they live. We must learn from past mistakes in our pandemic response, including stark global inequity in diagnostic, vaccine and therapeutic availability. We need stronger leadership that can effectively combat public complacency and take steps today to ensure that no one is left behind when the next pandemic strikes.

This requires a truly multisectoral, whole of society approach. For example, frontline workers across all ranges of the public health response must be adequately trained and financially supported, especially in times of peace to maintain readiness. We should encourage young researchers to collaborate with experienced policymakers, and the expansion of healthcare systems in the most remote and under-resourced communities. By investing in the health of every nation, we protect all nations.

Climate and Nature Crisis: Time for Bold Action

The climate and nature crisis stands as one of our most pressing challenges today.  76% of people agree it is the most critical issue facing our world, and 51% believe it will worsen in the next decade if we do not act now. The impacts of climate change are already being felt, from rising sea levels to extreme weather events, but it is future generations who will suffer the most.

This is a call for bold action. We must stop financing fossil fuels and prioritise investments into a sustainable economic future. Governments must be held accountable for their promises to protect our planet. Young people need the skills and opportunities to lead climate solutions. Realising these goals demands a global shift in policy and practice, with collaborative action by all generations across the globe.

Nuclear Weapons: Ongoing Threats to Our Future

Nuclear weapons, though not always in the headlines, remain one of the most dangerous threats to life on Earth. 69% of people believe disarmament is essential to our future. Nuclear weapons remain an active, critical threat, demanding the same level of urgency as during the Cold War. These weapons continue to pose an existential risk to our ecosystem and humanity. Emerging technologies and declining global cooperation only amplify this danger. Yet hope persists for a safer future.

Now is the time for leaders to listen to and act on the concerns of all generations. We must reframe nuclear weapons as an existential danger, not a deterrent. Youth perspectives should be integrated in disarmament negotiations to craft a secure future. Equally important is addressing emerging AI and cyber risks in nuclear contexts to prevent accidental launches or malicious attacks. Our survival depends on immediate, decisive action.

Artificial Intelligence: Shaping an Ethical Future

Artificial Intelligence is transforming our world in ways we never imagined, bringing both opportunities and risks. 60% of people around the globe see AI as a potential threat to jobs, security and even truth itself. But we can ensure AI serves humanity if we act now and work together. 65% support the idea of strong international governance to guide AI’s development.

To shape a positive future with AI, we need to listen to young digital natives who have grown up with this technology, and pair their insights with the wisdom of those who remember a time before it. By embracing a principles-based approach to AI regulation we must prioritise using AI to solve specific problems that matter, such as the climate and nature crisis and poverty, rather than simply maximising corporate profits. All states should have access to the tools and capabilities to build local AI solutions rooted in the rights and freedoms afforded to all under the UN Charter.

A Future for All Generations

Across the globe, people – young and old – are speaking out. They demand leadership that listens to everyone, regardless of age, nationality or economic status. Leaders must protect both current and future generations, and implementing the Declaration of Future Generations is crucial for this purpose. There is a clear mandate for intergenerational action: 76% of individuals want to see stronger international cooperation, and 77% believe that true leadership must combine the wisdom of the past with the creativity of the future. Recognising the intersectionality of these global threats, we must unite in decisive action, and acknowledge that progress on one often results in progress for all. Today's decisions shape tomorrow's world. This is our opportunity to create a legacy of peace, equality and sustainability. 

 

 

Co-created by:

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Chair of The Elders

Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General and Deputy Chair of The Elders

Graça Machel, Founder of the Graça Machel Trust, Co-founder and Deputy Chair of The Elders 

Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and former Director-General of the WHO

Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former head of the UN Development Programme

Elbegdorj Tsakhia, former President and Prime Minister of Mongolia

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Hina Jilani, Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan and co-chair of the Taskforce on Justice

Denis Mukwege, physician and human rights advocate, Nobel Peace Laureate

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate

Juan Manuel Santos, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate

Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico

Flavia Bellaguarda, Executive Director, LACLIMA

Thomas Hale, Professor of Global Public Policy, University of Oxford

Emilia Javorsky, Director, Futures Program, Physician-Scientist

Ciara Judge, Infectious Disease Epidemiologist, Science Communicator, Creator of EpiFusion

Risper Onyango, Digital Policy Manager, Lawyers Hub

Emma Pike, Lex International; Nuclear Disarmament Expert, Activist, and Peace Educator

Dr. Olamide Samuel, Special Envoy, African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE)

Julia Zasada, Masters Graduate in Human Rights and Democratisation

Share this article

Keep up to date with The Elders’ COVID-19 digest:

Sign up to receive regular updates about The Elders’ activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will never share your email address with third parties.

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.

Close

I would like to find:

Search
Close