The Elders (organization) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
The Elders

Founded	18 July 2007
Founder	Nelson Mandela
Purpose	"help resolve some of the world's most intractable conflicts" and other issues.
Location	London
Members	12 (including 4 Elders Emeritus)
Key people	Mary Robinson (Chair) Alistair Fernie (CEO)
Employees	18 (as of 2022)

The Elders is a special group of global leaders. They are known for being senior statesmen, peace activists, and people who fight for human rights. Nelson Mandela brought them together in 2007.

The group calls themselves "independent global leaders working together for peace, justice, human rights, and a healthy planet." Nelson Mandela wanted them to use their many years of experience. Their goal was to solve big problems like climate change, HIV/AIDS, and poverty. They also work to help end tough conflicts around the world.

History of The Elders

As of 2023, Mary Robinson leads The Elders. The group has twelve active members and three Elders Emeritus. These are members who have stepped back but are still part of the group.

Kofi Annan was the chair from 2013 until he passed away in 2018. Before him, Desmond Tutu was chair for six years. He stepped down in 2013 but remained an Elder Emeritus until his death in 2021.

The idea for the group came from Richard Branson, a kind person from England, and Peter Gabriel, a musician and human rights activist. They worked with Nelson Mandela, who fought against unfair laws in South Africa.

Mandela announced the group on his 89th birthday, July 18, 2007. This happened in Johannesburg, South Africa.

At the launch event, an empty chair was left on stage. This was for Aung San Suu Kyi, a human rights activist. She was a political prisoner in Myanmar at that time. Many important people were there, including Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Graça Machel, Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson, Desmond Tutu, and Muhammad Yunus.

Over the years, more leaders joined The Elders. These include Martti Ahtisaari, Hina Jilani, Ernesto Zedillo, Ricardo Lagos, and Ban Ki-moon. More recently, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, Juan Manuel Santos, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Elbegdorj Tsakhia also became members.

The Elders get their money from a group of donors. These donors are part of their advisory council.

Who Are The Elders?

The Elders are a group of very experienced people. They come from different countries and have held important jobs.

Current Elders

• Gro Harlem Brundtland, a former Prime Minister of Norway. She also led the World Health Organization.
• Helen Clark, a former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
• Hina Jilani, a human rights defender from Pakistan.
• Graça Machel (Co-Deputy Chair), a former Education Minister of Mozambique. She was married to Nelson Mandela.
• Mary Robinson (Chair), a former President of Ireland. She also worked for the United Nations on human rights.
• Ernesto Zedillo, a former President of Mexico.
• Ban Ki-moon (Co-Deputy Chair), a former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
• Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a former President of Liberia. She won the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Juan Manuel Santos, a former President of Colombia. He also won the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Zeid Raad Al Hussein, a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
• Elbegdorj Tsakhia, a former President and Prime Minister of Mongolia.
• Denis Mukwege, a doctor from Congo. He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

Elders Emeritus

These are former Elders who still support the group.

• Lakhdar Brahimi, a former Foreign Minister of Algeria.
• Jimmy Carter, a former President of the United States. He won the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Fernando Henrique Cardoso, a former President of Brazil.
• Ricardo Lagos, a former President of Chile.

Former Elders

• Aung San Suu Kyi was an honorary Elder. She stepped down when she became a politician in Myanmar.
• Muhammad Yunus, who started Grameen Bank, also left the group. He needed to focus on his other work.

Deceased Elders

Some important Elders have passed away.

• Martti Ahtisaari, a former President of Finland.
• Kofi Annan, a former UN Secretary-General and Chair of The Elders.
• Ela Bhatt, who started a group for self-employed women in India.
• Nelson Mandela, the founder of The Elders and former President of South Africa.
• Desmond Tutu, a famous Archbishop from South Africa.

The Team Behind The Elders

A small team in London helps The Elders with their work. Alistair Fernie is the chief executive officer (CEO) of this team.

What The Elders Do

The Elders use their independence and experience to work for peace, justice, human rights, and a healthy planet.

From 2023 to 2027, they will focus on three big threats:

• The climate crisis
• Nuclear weapons
• Pandemics

They also work on stopping conflicts. In all their work, they focus on human rights, gender equality, and talking with young people.

Current Work Areas

Tackling the Climate Crisis

The Elders want big polluting countries to act on climate change. They push for policies that keep global warming below 1.5°C. They also want to speed up fair changes to green energy.

They are working to get more money for climate action by 2025. They also support a fund to help countries deal with climate damage. The Elders believe young people and women should have a strong voice in climate decisions.

Preparing for Pandemics

The Elders believe that preparing for pandemics is a global need. It needs money and effort from everyone. They say strong, publicly funded health systems are key. These systems should offer health care for everyone.

Reducing Nuclear Weapons

The Elders want a world free from the threat of nuclear war. They speak out to challenge leaders. They encourage countries to work together. They also want more voices, especially women and young people, to be part of these decisions.

Working on Conflicts

The Elders focus on supporting international law and holding people accountable. They get involved in conflicts where they can make a difference. Right now, they are focusing on Russia’s war on Ukraine and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

In late 2023, Mary Robinson talked with Ukrainian leaders about their peace plan. The Elders also joined a meeting in Kyiv with 83 countries to discuss this plan.

Past Work Areas

Universal Health Care (2016–2022)

The Elders worked to make sure everyone has access to health care. They launched this effort in 2016. They wanted to achieve this goal by 2030.

They focused on:

• Showing that health care for everyone helps achieve global development goals.
• Highlighting the health, money, and political benefits of universal health care.
• Making sure women, children, and teenagers are a top priority.
• Stressing that public money is needed to fund health care for everyone.

Leaders like Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ernesto Zedillo gave speeches. They called for strong leadership to make health care for everyone a reality.

Helping Refugees and Migrants

In 2015, The Elders discussed the refugee crisis in Geneva. They called for countries to share the responsibility. They also wanted better protection for vulnerable people.

Before a UN meeting in 2016, Kofi Annan and other Elders visited Germany. They released a report asking for stronger political will. They wanted better protection for refugees and more ways for them to resettle.

The Elders said that human rights and refugee protection must be strong. They also visited a refugee center in Berlin. In 2017, The Elders spoke out against a US ban on refugees.

Making the UN Stronger

In 2015, The Elders started an effort to strengthen the United Nations. They suggested changes to the Security Council. They also wanted a more open process for choosing the UN Secretary-General.

They wanted the Security Council to better represent the world today. They also urged powerful countries not to use their veto power in cases of terrible violence.

Some of their ideas for choosing the Secretary-General were used in 2016. Candidates' names were made public, and they had public hearings. This made the process more open.

Fighting Climate Change

Before a big climate meeting in 2009, The Elders started a climate change effort. They believe strong leadership is needed for a sustainable future. They were happy about the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015. They are working to make sure it is fully put into action.

The Elders believe climate change and sustainable development go together. They talk with young activists about how to protect the planet. Mary Robinson and Gro Harlem Brundtland have joined discussions with young climate leaders.

In 2017, The Elders were disappointed when the US said it would leave the Paris Agreement. But they noted that this made other states and cities act more strongly. They continue to push governments and businesses to keep their promises.

Promoting Equality for Women and Girls

The Elders believe in equal rights for women and girls. They think women and girls have special needs that policies should address. This includes looking at how religion and tradition affect women's rights. They also work to end child marriage.

They support women as peacemakers. They highlight the challenges women face due to climate change. They also speak out against violence against women.

In 2009, The Elders called for an end to harmful practices against women. They said that no belief should justify discrimination. They asked religious leaders to promote dignity and equality.

Elders+Youngers

Nelson Mandela told The Elders to listen to people who are often ignored, especially young people. The Elders have met many passionate young people. They discuss peace, equality, and protecting the environment.

In 2012, The Elders and young activists debated how to create a sustainable future. They also held talks on African leadership. They discussed Egypt's revolution with young people in Cairo. They even had young people write guest blogs on their website.

Working on Iran Relations

The Elders support more openness and talks between Iran and other countries. They want Iran to help bring stability to the Middle East.

In 2014, The Elders visited Tehran. They met with Iranian leaders. They talked about reducing tensions, stopping violence, human rights, and the Syrian crisis. They were hopeful about Iran's willingness to talk.

In 2015, The Elders welcomed the agreement on Iran's nuclear program. They saw it as a chance to end years of bad feelings. They hoped it would rebuild trust.

The Israeli–Palestinian Conflict

This conflict has been a top priority for The Elders since they started. They believe the world needs to help Israelis and Palestinians find a lasting solution. They insist that peace efforts must respect human rights and international law. They also say the blockade on Gaza must end. They believe a Palestinian state should be based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

In 2009, The Elders visited Israel and the West Bank. They wanted to show how the conflict affects ordinary people. They met with leaders and peace activists. They hoped their visit would encourage peace.

In 2010, four Elders returned to the region. They visited Egypt, Gaza, Israel, Jordan, Syria, and the West Bank. They pushed for a "just and secure peace for all." They called the Gaza blockade "an illegal collective punishment."

In 2017, The Elders spoke out against the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. They said it "greatly harms peace processes." In 2023, during the Gaza conflict, The Elders asked the US President to create a serious peace plan.

Myanmar's Transition

A group of Elders visited Myanmar in 2013. They met with leaders and civil society groups. They wanted to see how they could help peace and development in the country.

They returned in 2014 to learn more about ethnic minorities. They also called for an end to conflict. The Elders welcomed the elections in Myanmar in 2015. They were happy about the victory of Aung San Suu Kyi's party.

Kofi Annan led a commission to look at the situation in Rakhine State. This included the Rohingya community. The commission made recommendations in 2017. The Elders supported Kofi Annan in this work.

In October 2017, The Elders were very worried about the violence in Rakhine State. They called for Rohingya refugees to be allowed to return safely.

Zimbabwe's Challenges

Zimbabwe has been a concern for The Elders since 2007. The country has faced many political and economic problems.

In 2008, three Elders tried to visit Zimbabwe. They wanted to highlight the humanitarian crisis. But they were not allowed to enter the country. They stayed in South Africa and met with Zimbabwean leaders and aid workers. They said the situation was "worse than they could have imagined."

After President Robert Mugabe resigned in 2017, The Elders urged leaders to work for a true democracy. They continue to support the people of Zimbabwe.

Other Past Work

Ending Child Marriage

The Elders are dedicated to ending child marriage. In 2011, Desmond Tutu, Gro Brundtland, and Mary Robinson visited Ethiopia. They learned about child marriage there.

In 2012, they also visited Bihar, India. They saw a project that helps prevent child marriage.

In 2011, The Elders started "Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage." This group brings together organizations working to stop child marriage. It became an independent organization in 2013.

Supporting Côte d'Ivoire

After violence in Ivory Coast in 2010, The Elders helped with reconciliation. In 2011, Desmond Tutu, Kofi Annan, and Mary Robinson visited the country. They encouraged peace and healing. They also met with civil society groups.

Kofi Annan returned in 2012 and 2013. He supported the ongoing peace process. He encouraged everyone to work together for a peaceful future.

Working on Cyprus Peace

The Elders started working on Cyprus in 2008. They visited the island four times. They supported peace talks between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders. They also shared their experiences to encourage dialogue.

They worked with a group that searches for missing people from past conflicts. They even made a documentary called "Digging the Past in Search of the Future."

In 2008, Desmond Tutu said, "These opportunities don't come around very often." The Elders made it clear they were there to support, not to take over the peace process.

Korean Peninsula Tensions

The Elders started their work on the Korean Peninsula in 2011. Jimmy Carter led a visit to South Korea, North Korea, and China. They wanted to ease tensions. They also wanted to help with humanitarian concerns like food shortages in North Korea.

They met with government officials and aid agencies. They made it clear they were acting independently. Jimmy Carter said, "On relations between North and South Korea, there are no quick fixes."

Peace in Sudan and South Sudan

Peace in Sudan was a top priority for The Elders from the start. Their first mission in 2007 was to Sudan. They wanted to learn about the situation in Darfur. They also supported a peace agreement that ended a long civil war.

In 2008, The Elders asked for helicopters for peacekeepers in Darfur. In 2009, they called for aid agencies to be allowed into Sudan.

Before South Sudan's vote for independence in 2011, The Elders warned of new violence. Jimmy Carter and Kofi Annan helped observe the vote.

In 2012, The Elders visited Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia. They wanted to highlight the growing humanitarian crisis. They encouraged peace talks between the two countries. Desmond Tutu said, "Peace, peace, peace is what the people of Sudan and South Sudan need most."

Reconciliation in Sri Lanka

The Elders have followed developments in Sri Lanka closely. They have spoken out since the end of the civil war in 2009. They always stress the importance of reconciliation and accountability for wrongs committed during the conflict.

In 2009, The Elders wrote to Sri Lankan leaders. They asked the government to protect the rights of displaced people. Desmond Tutu said the government must serve all citizens.

In 2012, Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu wrote articles. They urged the UN to support accountability for human rights violations. They also called for monitoring progress on reconciliation.

Other Activities

Kenya's Elections

Violence broke out in Kenya in 2007 after elections. Kofi Annan, Graça Machel, and Desmond Tutu were involved in efforts to solve the crisis. The Elders issued a short statement calling for an end to the violence.

Middle East and North Africa

After big protests in the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, The Elders supported those seeking freedom. Desmond Tutu called for leaders to step down.

In 2011, Elders visited Tunis. They described a "sense of buoyant democracy" there. In 2012, they visited Cairo. They met with leaders and young people. They stressed the importance of an "inclusive, democratic transition."

Kofi Annan and Lakhdar Brahimi also worked individually to try to solve the conflict in Syria.

Russia Talks

The Elders visited Moscow in 2015. Kofi Annan and other Elders talked with Russian officials. They discussed global issues with leaders like Vladimir Putin.

State of Hope Discussions

In 2021, The Elders started "State of Hope." This is a series of online discussions. They explore big global challenges.

Mary Robinson and other Elders gave online talks. They spoke about hope, peace, justice, human rights, and working together globally. Other global figures also shared their thoughts.

Finding Humanity Podcasts

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Elders made a podcast series. It was called "Finding Humanity." It focused on the need for kind and principled leadership.

The episodes covered topics like pandemic readiness and access to justice. They also discussed ending violence against women and nuclear weapons.

#WalkTogether Campaign

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, The Elders launched #WalkTogether. This was a year-long campaign. It aimed to inspire hope and bridge divides.

The campaign celebrated communities that show kindness and unity. It wanted to highlight courageous leaders working for freedom. These freedoms include peace, health, justice, and equality. The campaign ran from July 2017 to July 2018.

Every Human Has Rights Campaign

The Every Human Has Rights (EHHR) campaign started in 2007. It marked 60 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Elders worked with many groups to highlight human rights principles. These included the right to health, women's rights, and freedom of speech.

The campaign aimed to help people protect human rights. Over a billion people signed the Universal Declaration. They promised to protect the freedom and rights of others.

In 2008, The Elders celebrated the campaign. They also took part in the EHHR Media Awards.

See also

In Spanish: The Elders para niños