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Marking Nelson Mandela's release: 30 years on

30 years on from Nelson Mandela's release from Victor Verster prison, we recall The Elders' memories of their founder.
If there were a few more Mandelas operating in the world, what a difference it would make… – Our former Chair @KofiAnnan.
— The Elders (@TheElders) February 10, 2020
As the world marks 30 years since @NelsonMandela’s release from prison, we recall the Elders’ memories of their founder. #WalkToFreedom pic.twitter.com/8kNfkf6R8t
“We stand on the shoulders of incredible people, we owe our freedom to extraordinary people.” – Our first Chair, @TheDesmondTutu, at the launch of The Elders in 2007.
— The Elders (@TheElders) February 11, 2020
30 years on from #Madiba’s release, we look back at the Elders' memories of their founder. #WalkToFreedom pic.twitter.com/81rKt0SNtU
The Elders honour Nelson Mandela's legacy by working together for a peaceful, just and sustainable society. Find out more:
FEATURED ELDERS

Nelson Mandela
Former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Laureate; a leader who dedicated his life to the anti-apartheid struggle, democracy and equality; founder of The Elders.

Martti Ahtisaari
Former President of Finland; Nobel Peace Laureate and expert in international peace mediation, diplomacy and post-conflict state building.

Kofi Annan
Former UN Secretary-General, Nobel Peace Laureate and Chair of The Elders (2013-2018); put development, human rights, the rule of law, good governance and peace at the top of the United Nations agenda.

Lakhdar Brahimi
Former Algerian freedom fighter, Foreign Minister, conflict mediator and UN diplomat; an expert in peacekeeping and post-conflict reconstruction.

Gro Harlem Brundtland
First woman Prime Minister of Norway and former Director-General of the World Health Organization; leading advocate on global preparedness for pandemics; put sustainable development on the international agenda.

Jimmy Carter
Former President of the United States, Nobel Peace Laureate and veteran peace negotiator; dedicated to advancing peace, democracy and health worldwide.

Mary Robinson
First woman President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; Chair of The Elders; a passionate, forceful advocate for gender equality, women’s participation in peace-building and human dignity.