In our latest newsletter, our deputy chair,  Graça Machel, reflects on a year of global challenges in an increasingly divided world.

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

Dear friends,

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the profound challenges we face, each bringing significant and unpredictable global consequences for all of us. From the failure to uphold international law amid a rise in authoritarianism and violent conflicts, to the worsening impacts of the climate and nature crisis while rich countries still hold back from funding climate action, we are witnessing a world that is increasingly divided.

The ongoing atrocities in Gaza remain a grave concern to The Elders, especially as the Israeli siege of northern Gaza has cut off almost all humanitarian aid. I have spoken out about the signs of ethnic cleansing in the region, and we have called on President Biden to use his final months in office to finally stop the transfer of weapons to Israel.

My late husband, Nelson Mandela, who founded The Elders, had a strong bond with the Palestinian people. He recognised clear parallels between apartheid in South Africa and Israel’s unlawful occupation. In 1997, he said, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” This continues to guide our efforts as Elders to seek a two-state solution, ensuring both Palestinians and Israelis have the right to live in equality, dignity, and security.

This month also marked the 16 Days of Activism for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The UN’s report that 70% of those killed in Gaza are women and children underscores the disproportionate toll conflicts take on women globally. In Sudan, the situation is equally harrowing. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, reports of sexual violence have surged, with women and girls increasingly subjected to sexual violence as weapons of war and control.

As Human Rights Day approaches on 10 December, the international community needs to take responsibility and act to hold perpetrators of human rights abuses and violations to account.

These same principles of justice and accountability must also guide our response to the climate crisis, which is deeply intertwined with human rights. Despite contributing little to the crisis, the Global South continues to bear the heaviest toll, deepening existing inequalities.

As my fellow Elder Mary Robinson pointed out, the COP29 deal was disappointing, with wealthy nations’ financial commitments falling short. In the coming year, we hope the international community will show greater ambition and leadership than was seen in Baku, turning pledges into meaningful action and prioritising climate justice.

Though these times can feel overwhelming, they also call for action. As Madiba, Archbishop Tutu and so many other liberators have shown us, we must push for change and hold our leaders to account. It is only through our collective efforts that we can make progress.

Thank you for your continued support,

Graça Machel