Opinion
Only bold, collective action can turn back the hands of the Doomsday Clock
Mary Robinson
25 Jan 2023
In the face of existential threats facing humanity, there can be no choice but to act. Political leaders must work cooperatively and urgently to deliver a safe and just future for all, says Mary Robinson.
Elders Statements
The Elders warn urgent action on climate, pandemics, nuclear weapons needed to turn back hands of the Doomsday Clock
Mary Robinson Ban Ki-moon Elbegdorj Tsakhia
24 Jan 2023
Elders Statement: The Elders warn urgent action on climate, pandemics, nuclear weapons needed to turn back hands of the Doomsday Clock.

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Founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, we are independent global leaders working together for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet

Gro Harlem Brundtland

First woman Prime Minister of Norway; former Director-General of WHO; a medical doctor who champions health as a human right; and put sustainable development on the international agenda.

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Helen Clark

Former Prime Minister of New Zealand and head of the UN Development Programme; Co-Chair of the WHO Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response; an advocate for multilateralism and nuclear disarmament.

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Elbegdorj Tsakhia

Former President and Prime Minister of Mongolia who led his country’s transition to democracy after the fall of the Soviet Union. An international campaigner on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, climate change and democracy.

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Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein

Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; champion of international justice and multilateralism; outspoken advocate for peace and human rights; veteran Jordanian diplomat and peacekeeping expert.

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Hina Jilani

Pioneering lawyer and pro-democracy campaigner; a leading activist in Pakistan's women's movement and international champion of human rights.

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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Former President of Liberia and Africa’s first elected female head of state; Nobel Peace Laureate; a leading promoter of peace, justice and democratic rule; a voice for freedom; and advocate for health for all.

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Graça Machel

Women’s and children's rights advocate; former freedom fighter and first Education Minister of Mozambique; co-founder of The Elders.

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Denis Mukwege

Member of The Elders, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, global campaigner on conflict-related sexual violence, gynaecologist and founder of the Panzi Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo

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Mary Robinson

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

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Juan Manuel Santos

Former President of Colombia; a Nobel Peace Laureate who led complex peace negotiations, ending over 50 years of intractable armed conflict; Chair of The Elders.

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Ernesto Zedillo

Former President of Mexico who led profound democratic and social reforms; a renowned economist; and an advocate of multilateralism, inclusive globalisation, nuclear nonproliferation, drug policy reform and universal healthcare.

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Conflict

The impact we seek: Global peace and security are improved through enhanced respect for international law, and more inclusive national and international dialogue.

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Nuclear weapons

The impact we seek: Current and future generations are free from the threat of nuclear destruction. 

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Pandemics

The impact we seek: The world is prepared for future pandemics, through a transformed multilateral system that is sustainably financed, inclusive, transparent and equitably governed.

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Climate crisis

The impact we seek: The planetary emergency is contained and the most vulnerable protected through revitalised global cooperation.

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