In our latest newsletter, Helen Clark reflects on the importance of courageous leadership and strengthened multilateralism to effectively address global challenges and create a safer world.

Adapted from The Elders' monthly newsletter. Sign up for regular email updates from The Elders.

Dear friends,

A few weeks ago, on 18 July, we celebrated Mandela Day, marking not only the birthday of our founder, but also the anniversary of The Elders.

This moment offers a poignant opportunity to reflect on the origins of our organisation and the work of great leaders no longer with us, including Madiba himself and the first two Chairs of our organisation, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Kofi Annan.  

Mandela, Arch, and Kofi all believed deeply in humanity’s ability to achieve positive change, even in the bleakest of times, and had an unwavering optimism that our best future lies ahead of us. As we observe the situation unfolding in Israel and Palestine, this wisdom is as crucial as ever.

The Elders have issued a joint statement calling for bold action by world leaders to end Israel’s unlawful occupation. That follows the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on 19 July which found Israel’s presence throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) to be unlawful and a breach of its international obligations on racial segregation and apartheid.

We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ devastating terrorist attacks on 7 October 2023, but Israel’s excessive and indiscriminate response is unacceptable. With a rising death toll of almost 40,000 Palestinians, our message as Elders is clear: world leaders must commit to the rule of law, hold Israel to account, and work to prevent further regional escalation.

To achieve this, the international community must uphold and strengthen the multilateral system which is the bedrock of international order and justice. Unfortunately, this has been increasingly sidelined in recent years by nationalism and great power rivalry.

Having served as the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and more recently as co-chair of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPPR), I have witnessed first-hand both the power of international co-operation and robust multilateral institutions in effectively addressing global challenges, and the problems which arise when nations put their own short-term interests ahead of the common good.

The Elders are calling for long-view leadership: the determination to solve difficult problems, the wisdom to make evidence-based decisions, and the humility to listen to those affected.

This approach is essential not only to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and other wars from Ukraine to Sudan and Myanmar, but also in addressing other, existential threats which require our urgent attention, including the climate and nature crisis, the risk of pandemics, nuclear weapons risks and unregulated AI. In addressing these challenges and ensuring a safer world, commitment to collaboration and adherence to international norms will be crucial.

Despite these complex and troubling issues, we must remain hopeful. On Mandela Day and every day, leaders must strive to embody his principles and channel his visionary, ethical leadership to confront our challenges with honesty, justice, and empathy.

A better future is possible if leaders act with the courage and urgency required.

With thanks for your ongoing support,

Helen Clark