Dear friends,

As we step into the month ahead, I am filled with a sense of optimism. September is a pivotal month for multilateral cooperation – an essential theme that runs through all of the Elders’ strategic priorities.

When Nelson Mandela founded The Elders seventeen years ago, he spoke of Ubuntu, the South African philosophy that underscores our interconnectedness as a global community. It is a reminder that our common humanity binds us all together.

Today, this philosophy is just as important as ever. As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Week in New York approaches, world leaders have an important opportunity to embrace it. We must put mutual respect and shared responsibility at the forefront, recognising that true collaboration benefits all, and isolationism and aggressive nationalism only deepens the crises we face. The global challenges ahead can only be overcome through united action.

A key event during this year’s High-Level Week is the Summit of the Future, where world leaders will seek to build consensus on creating a fairer, more sustainable future. The goal is to develop a Pact for the Future, a bold and action-oriented plan. However, it is vital that this gathering does more than produce lofty declarations. Leaders must translate good intentions into concrete actions, standing firm against injustice and committing to meaningful change. The time for action is now.

In this spirit, The Elders are hosting an event in New York on 20 September, in the run-up to the Summit. Entitled "Are We Ready to Lead Together? A Critical Intergenerational Dialogue on Solutions to Existential Threats”, this dynamic gathering will feature engaging discussions and solution-driven dialogues between Elders, future leaders, youth voices, and experts.

Climate justice, a cause championed by my fellow Elder, Mary Robinson, is a prime example of where cooperation and decisive action is urgently needed. This is a theme she discussed with President Lula when she travelled to Brasilia for the G20 Interfaith Forum last month.

With New York Climate Week also taking place later this month, there is another opportunity for leaders from government, business, technology, academia, and civil society to come together. It is critical that these discussions lead to genuine progress in addressing the climate crisis, particularly for those most affected by its impacts.

Throughout my work championing human rights and justice, in Pakistan and on the global stage, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable strength that comes from collective action. These experiences have reaffirmed my belief that no one can create change alone. No matter how daunting the challenges may seem, collective action truly has the power to move mountains.

Together, we can break down the barriers that hold us back and create pathways toward a brighter future. I look forward to seeing how these events unfold throughout September and what outcomes they produce.

I remain hopeful that, with true commitment and decisive leadership, we can seize these opportunities to create lasting change.

With thanks for your ongoing support,

Hina Jilani