Over 100 leading figures, led by members of The Elders and the Future of Life Institute, have issued an open letter calling on world leaders to take a bold new approach to address ‘catastrophic’ risks to humanity.
The letter states that ‘long-view leadership’ is needed to tackle the ongoing impact and escalating risks of the climate and nature crisis, pandemics, nuclear weapons, and ungoverned AI. It also illustrates that millions of lives and livelihoods are already impacted by these threats and world leaders’ inaction and failure to cooperate will drive humanity toward ‘greater catastrophe’.
The Elders, including Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon, Graça Machel, Juan Manuel Santos, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, together with the president of the Future of Life Institute, Max Tegmark, have been joined by former leaders (including Gordon Brown), Nobel Laureates, scientific experts, youth activists, business leaders (including Richard Branson), philanthropists and influential figures from across public life (including Annie Lennox...
The letter states that ‘long-view leadership’ is needed to tackle the ongoing impact and escalating risks of the climate and nature crisis, pandemics, nuclear weapons, and ungoverned AI. It also illustrates that millions of lives and livelihoods are already impacted by these threats and world leaders’ inaction and failure to cooperate will drive humanity toward ‘greater catastrophe’.
The Elders, including Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon, Graça Machel, Juan Manuel Santos, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, together with the president of the Future of Life Institute, Max Tegmark, have been joined by former leaders (including Gordon Brown), Nobel Laureates, scientific experts, youth activists, business leaders (including Richard Branson), philanthropists and influential figures from across public life (including Annie Lennox...
- 2/15/2024
- Look to the Stars
In a new statement, The Elders – including Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon, Graça Machel, and Gro Harlem Brundtland – are calling on Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice:
“The Elders call for Israel to comply immediately with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (Icj) to protect Palestinians in Gaza from acts of genocide.
“The Elders also call for Israel’s allies to publicly affirm their respect for the Court’s ruling, and to use the political, military and financial leverage at their disposal to ensure Israel’s compliance with the provisional measures.
“The Icj’s legally binding decision is a moment of the utmost gravity.
Israeli forces have killed over 25,000 Palestinians in Gaza, destroyed homes and infrastructure across the territory and displaced up to 1.9 million people. The Elders share the Court’s judgement that this scale of devastation risks causing irreparable harm to the people of Gaza.
“The Elders call for Israel to comply immediately with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (Icj) to protect Palestinians in Gaza from acts of genocide.
“The Elders also call for Israel’s allies to publicly affirm their respect for the Court’s ruling, and to use the political, military and financial leverage at their disposal to ensure Israel’s compliance with the provisional measures.
“The Icj’s legally binding decision is a moment of the utmost gravity.
Israeli forces have killed over 25,000 Palestinians in Gaza, destroyed homes and infrastructure across the territory and displaced up to 1.9 million people. The Elders share the Court’s judgement that this scale of devastation risks causing irreparable harm to the people of Gaza.
- 1/30/2024
- Look to the Stars
The following is a statement from The Elders, a group of independent global leaders working for peace, justice and human rights, founded by Nelson Mandela and chaired by Mary Robinson:
“The Elders condemn the horrendous terror attacks launched by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the killing of innocent civilians, the holding of hostages and the continued indiscriminate missile attacks on Israel. These are mass atrocities for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice, preferably in a court of law.
“We also condemn the Israeli government’s unacceptable collective punishment of the population of Gaza through siege, the scale of the military assault and its death toll, and the forcible transfer of civilians within the territory, as well as the continuing land and home incursions and demolitions in the West Bank and settler violence against Palestinian communities. These are not legitimate acts of self-defence: they are clear violations of international humanitarian law,...
“The Elders condemn the horrendous terror attacks launched by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the killing of innocent civilians, the holding of hostages and the continued indiscriminate missile attacks on Israel. These are mass atrocities for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice, preferably in a court of law.
“We also condemn the Israeli government’s unacceptable collective punishment of the population of Gaza through siege, the scale of the military assault and its death toll, and the forcible transfer of civilians within the territory, as well as the continuing land and home incursions and demolitions in the West Bank and settler violence against Palestinian communities. These are not legitimate acts of self-defence: they are clear violations of international humanitarian law,...
- 10/26/2023
- Look to the Stars
Based on an initiative by Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel, Nelson Mandela announced the formation of The Elders in July 2007 in Johannesburg on the occasion of his 89th birthday. Members of The Elders are: Martti Ahtisaari, Kofi Annan, Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Brundtland, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Graça Machel, Mary Robinson and Desmond Tutu (Chair).
The Elders are a group of global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who use their collective experience and influence to promote peace, justice and human rights worldwide.
They include the former holders of some of the world’s most important and demanding posts, and individuals with an extraordinary track record on peace-making, reconciliation and social change.
Independent of government and no longer holding public office, the Elders are helping tackle some of the world’s most intractable problems, through both private advocacy and public work.
The Elders work strategically, focusing on areas...
The Elders are a group of global leaders, brought together by Nelson Mandela, who use their collective experience and influence to promote peace, justice and human rights worldwide.
They include the former holders of some of the world’s most important and demanding posts, and individuals with an extraordinary track record on peace-making, reconciliation and social change.
Independent of government and no longer holding public office, the Elders are helping tackle some of the world’s most intractable problems, through both private advocacy and public work.
The Elders work strategically, focusing on areas...
- 8/29/2023
- Look to the Stars
Peter Gabriel first learned about former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Rolling Stone. He doesn’t remember the exact date, but a 1975 article about Georgia’s Allman Brothers Band and their support for Carter’s presidential campaign is likely what caught his eye.
“I’ve always been interested in American politics, and I was fascinated to read that the Allman Brothers had played a critical role in getting some early funding for this ‘peanut farmer with principles,’” Gabriel reminisces on a recent Zoom call from his Real World Studios in Southwest England.
“I’ve always been interested in American politics, and I was fascinated to read that the Allman Brothers had played a critical role in getting some early funding for this ‘peanut farmer with principles,’” Gabriel reminisces on a recent Zoom call from his Real World Studios in Southwest England.
- 5/15/2023
- by Kristi York Wooten
- Rollingstone.com
Nelson Mandela’s grandson Zwelivelile “Mandla” Mandela has responded to Meghan Markle’s recent comments to The Cut.
Meghan said in the piece, that was titled “Meghan of Montecito”, that an actor from South Africa pulled her aside at the 2019 “Lion King” premiere to say: “I just need you to know: When you married into this family, we rejoiced in the streets the same we did when Mandela was freed from prison.”
The Cut article added, “Of course, she knows she’s no Mandela, but perhaps even telling me this story is a mode of defence, because if you are a symbol for all that is good and charitable, how can anybody find you objectionable, how can anybody hate you?”
Mandla said of his grandfather being released after serving 27 years in prison, “Madiba’s celebration was based on overcoming 350 years of colonialism with 60 years of a brutal apartheid regime in South Africa.
Meghan said in the piece, that was titled “Meghan of Montecito”, that an actor from South Africa pulled her aside at the 2019 “Lion King” premiere to say: “I just need you to know: When you married into this family, we rejoiced in the streets the same we did when Mandela was freed from prison.”
The Cut article added, “Of course, she knows she’s no Mandela, but perhaps even telling me this story is a mode of defence, because if you are a symbol for all that is good and charitable, how can anybody find you objectionable, how can anybody hate you?”
Mandla said of his grandfather being released after serving 27 years in prison, “Madiba’s celebration was based on overcoming 350 years of colonialism with 60 years of a brutal apartheid regime in South Africa.
- 8/30/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
The Elders have urged leaders to put multilateralism, solidarity and human rights at the heart of their response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to prioritise the health and economic needs of poorer countries in the Global South in the coming weeks and months.
Preventing the emergence and spread of infectious disease is the pre-eminent example of a “global public good”, and merits unprecedented international cooperation by governments and policymakers. In a pandemic, no-one is safe until everyone is safe.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former Un High Commissioner for Human Rights, said:
“This terrible pandemic is a test of our common humanity. We can see how it is exacerbating existing profound socio-economic, racial and gender inequalities, both within and between countries. Only a coordinated multilateral response can deliver testing and a vaccine at scale, and only a renewed commitment to the values and institutions of the Un can...
Preventing the emergence and spread of infectious disease is the pre-eminent example of a “global public good”, and merits unprecedented international cooperation by governments and policymakers. In a pandemic, no-one is safe until everyone is safe.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former Un High Commissioner for Human Rights, said:
“This terrible pandemic is a test of our common humanity. We can see how it is exacerbating existing profound socio-economic, racial and gender inequalities, both within and between countries. Only a coordinated multilateral response can deliver testing and a vaccine at scale, and only a renewed commitment to the values and institutions of the Un can...
- 5/27/2020
- Look to the Stars
The Elders today called on global leaders and citizens alike to root their response to the Covid-19 pandemic in humanitarian principles and solidarity to save lives, defend rights and protect the most vulnerable groups in society.
The following is a statement from The Elders:
The pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge for governments, heads of state and international institutions. As former leaders, we acknowledge the fearsomely complex political, moral and economic decisions those currently in office will have to take over the coming weeks and months.
We endorse the call of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board for at least Us$ 8 billion to be immediately injected into critical funding gaps to support the Who’s emergency response, vaccine development, timely distribution of medical supplies and other critical measures.
The G7 statement of 16 March 2020 marks a welcome first step, with leaders pledging to do “whatever is necessary to ensure a strong global response...
The following is a statement from The Elders:
The pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge for governments, heads of state and international institutions. As former leaders, we acknowledge the fearsomely complex political, moral and economic decisions those currently in office will have to take over the coming weeks and months.
We endorse the call of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board for at least Us$ 8 billion to be immediately injected into critical funding gaps to support the Who’s emergency response, vaccine development, timely distribution of medical supplies and other critical measures.
The G7 statement of 16 March 2020 marks a welcome first step, with leaders pledging to do “whatever is necessary to ensure a strong global response...
- 3/20/2020
- Look to the Stars
The Elders today called upon leaders from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) regional bloc to urgently convene talks with the leaders of South Sudan to advance peace negotiations after a series of delays and setbacks.
The need for action is particularly acute ahead of the February 2020 deadline for a new unity government including rival leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar.
Igad’s internal divisions over the past year have been a major obstacle to the high level engagement that is needed to address the political crisis in South Sudan. The Elders welcomed the fact that Igad has reached agreement on a new Chair, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok of Sudan. They urged the Igad heads of state to convene again as soon as is practically possible to keep up the momentum, and to bring together the leaders of South Sudan to steer them towards a political solution.
Graça Machel, Deputy...
The need for action is particularly acute ahead of the February 2020 deadline for a new unity government including rival leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar.
Igad’s internal divisions over the past year have been a major obstacle to the high level engagement that is needed to address the political crisis in South Sudan. The Elders welcomed the fact that Igad has reached agreement on a new Chair, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok of Sudan. They urged the Igad heads of state to convene again as soon as is practically possible to keep up the momentum, and to bring together the leaders of South Sudan to steer them towards a political solution.
Graça Machel, Deputy...
- 12/19/2019
- Look to the Stars
Ahead of the Climate Summit that will take place in New York on 23 September 2019, The Elders call on world leaders to take the radical and decisive action needed to curb global emissions, end reliance on fossil fuels and to keep global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Elders today urged leaders to listen to the demands from climate strikers to take responsibility and action on the climate emergency facing humanity. They welcomed the upcoming Climate Action Summit as an opportunity for leaders to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, but emphasised that unprecedented efforts will be needed from all nations. The Elders acknowledged the anger and determination of young people leading climate strikes and other protests. This is born out of the failure of generation after generation of leaders to act decisively on climate change.
Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former...
The Elders today urged leaders to listen to the demands from climate strikers to take responsibility and action on the climate emergency facing humanity. They welcomed the upcoming Climate Action Summit as an opportunity for leaders to achieve the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, but emphasised that unprecedented efforts will be needed from all nations. The Elders acknowledged the anger and determination of young people leading climate strikes and other protests. This is born out of the failure of generation after generation of leaders to act decisively on climate change.
Ban Ki-moon, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former...
- 9/20/2019
- Look to the Stars
The Elders today called on Zimbabwe’s political leaders and all figures in authority to commit to a truly inclusive national dialogue and prioritise the economic and social needs of ordinary citizens over party politics, factionalism and self-interest.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, and Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former Mozambican freedom fighter, visited Harare from 6-7 September. They met President Emmerson Mnangagwa for talks at State House, following on from their previous meeting in July 2018 with the late Kofi Annan, then Chair of The Elders.
They also met Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition Mdc-Alliance party, and representatives of civil society, women’s groups, church leaders and representatives of the international community. They were particularly impressed with their conversations with women from across Zimbabwe convened in a dialogue platform by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. This inclusive model offers a path for the whole country.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, and Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former Mozambican freedom fighter, visited Harare from 6-7 September. They met President Emmerson Mnangagwa for talks at State House, following on from their previous meeting in July 2018 with the late Kofi Annan, then Chair of The Elders.
They also met Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition Mdc-Alliance party, and representatives of civil society, women’s groups, church leaders and representatives of the international community. They were particularly impressed with their conversations with women from across Zimbabwe convened in a dialogue platform by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches. This inclusive model offers a path for the whole country.
- 9/9/2019
- Look to the Stars
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are heading to Africa! At the end of September, the couple - who welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in May - will travel to the continent to bring awareness to causes important to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as Harry's late mother, Princess Diana. This will be Harry and Meghan's first family tour, as they plan on bringing Archie and his nanny along for the ride. The trip will start on Sept. 23 in Cape Town and conclude on Oct. 2 in Johannesburg.
Following their visit to Cape Town, Harry and Meghan's schedule will be split as Harry plans to visit Botswana, Angola, and Malawi solo while Meghan stays behind with baby Archie. In Botswana - which is where the couple vacationed shortly after they first met - Harry will do more work with wildlife conservation. In Malawi, Harry will continue to...
Following their visit to Cape Town, Harry and Meghan's schedule will be split as Harry plans to visit Botswana, Angola, and Malawi solo while Meghan stays behind with baby Archie. In Botswana - which is where the couple vacationed shortly after they first met - Harry will do more work with wildlife conservation. In Malawi, Harry will continue to...
- 9/6/2019
- by Brea Cubit
- Popsugar.com
The Elders have expressed their support for the National Health Insurance (Nhi) reforms proposed by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, and urged all stakeholders to act with ambition and urgency to improve publicly-funded healthcare and build social solidarity.
Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders, Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile, met President Ramaphosa in Cape Town to learn more about the Nhi Bill currently before Parliament. The Elders also met the Speaker of Parliament and addressed the Portfolio Committee on Health.
As part of their two-day visit to South Africa, the Elders also addressed a public event on Nhi at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg with Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, attended by patients’ groups, health professionals, business, labour and academics. They then visited the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto to...
Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders, Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile, met President Ramaphosa in Cape Town to learn more about the Nhi Bill currently before Parliament. The Elders also met the Speaker of Parliament and addressed the Portfolio Committee on Health.
As part of their two-day visit to South Africa, the Elders also addressed a public event on Nhi at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg with Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, attended by patients’ groups, health professionals, business, labour and academics. They then visited the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto to...
- 9/6/2019
- Look to the Stars
The Elders met Ethiopia’s State Minister of Health, Dr. Lia Tadesse, on 20 May 2019 to learn more about the country’s efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
The Elders in Ethiopia
They also visited the Feres Meda health centre in Addis Ababa to meet patients and hold discussions with Health Extension Workers.
The delegation applauded Ethiopia’s focus on primary health care as the most effective way of providing essential services to poor and vulnerable populations including women and children. They discussed with the State Minister the need for the health budget to be increased for Ethiopia to move further towards Universal Health Coverage.
They also took the occasion of the visit to welcome the launch in Ethiopia of the Community Health Academy programme pioneered by global health Ngo Last Mile Health.
The new Community Health Academy programme is partnering with Ministries of Health across the world, to help frontline...
The Elders in Ethiopia
They also visited the Feres Meda health centre in Addis Ababa to meet patients and hold discussions with Health Extension Workers.
The delegation applauded Ethiopia’s focus on primary health care as the most effective way of providing essential services to poor and vulnerable populations including women and children. They discussed with the State Minister the need for the health budget to be increased for Ethiopia to move further towards Universal Health Coverage.
They also took the occasion of the visit to welcome the launch in Ethiopia of the Community Health Academy programme pioneered by global health Ngo Last Mile Health.
The new Community Health Academy programme is partnering with Ministries of Health across the world, to help frontline...
- 5/22/2019
- Look to the Stars
The Elders announced today that their new Chair will be Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mary Robinson becomes The Elders’ third Chair since the group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, following Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2007-13) and Kofi Annan (2013-2018).
Ban Ki-moon, former Un Secretary-General, and Graça Machel, former Education Minister of Mozambique and co-founder of The Elders, will serve as joint Deputy Chairs, succeeding Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, who has held the role since 2013.
Mary Robinson said:
“It is a huge honour to take up the role as Chair of The Elders at such a critical moment for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. Building on the powerful legacies of Archbishop Tutu and Kofi Annan, I am confident that our group’s voice can both be heard by leaders and amplify grassroots activists fighting for their rights.
Mary Robinson becomes The Elders’ third Chair since the group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, following Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2007-13) and Kofi Annan (2013-2018).
Ban Ki-moon, former Un Secretary-General, and Graça Machel, former Education Minister of Mozambique and co-founder of The Elders, will serve as joint Deputy Chairs, succeeding Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, who has held the role since 2013.
Mary Robinson said:
“It is a huge honour to take up the role as Chair of The Elders at such a critical moment for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. Building on the powerful legacies of Archbishop Tutu and Kofi Annan, I am confident that our group’s voice can both be heard by leaders and amplify grassroots activists fighting for their rights.
- 11/2/2018
- Look to the Stars
Unhcr, the Un Refugee Agency, has honoured Dr. Evan Atar Adaha (Dr. Atar), a surgeon from South Sudan, with the 2018 Nansen Refugee Award at a ceremony in Geneva.
Dr. Atar received the award for his outstanding 20-year commitment in providing medical services to people forced to flee conflict and persecution in Sudan and South Sudan, as well as to the communities that welcome them.
Presenting the award in Geneva’s Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, Filippo Grandi, Un High Commissioner for Refugees, said he could think of “three or four reasons” why Dr. Atar was chosen to receive the award.
He said most of his patients were refugees and he had lived through displacement himself, after fighting forced him to close his first hospital in Kurmuk, Sudan. In addition, he embodied “not only solidarity, but courageous solidarity” with his refugee patients, “two commodities that are very scarce in today’s world...
Dr. Atar received the award for his outstanding 20-year commitment in providing medical services to people forced to flee conflict and persecution in Sudan and South Sudan, as well as to the communities that welcome them.
Presenting the award in Geneva’s Bâtiment des Forces Motrices, Filippo Grandi, Un High Commissioner for Refugees, said he could think of “three or four reasons” why Dr. Atar was chosen to receive the award.
He said most of his patients were refugees and he had lived through displacement himself, after fighting forced him to close his first hospital in Kurmuk, Sudan. In addition, he embodied “not only solidarity, but courageous solidarity” with his refugee patients, “two commodities that are very scarce in today’s world...
- 10/4/2018
- Look to the Stars
International advocacy organisation Global Citizen today announced that Beyonce, Jay-Z, Cassper Nyovest, D’banj, Ed Sheeran, Eddie Vedder, Femi Kuti, Pharrell Williams and Chris Martin, Sho Madjozi, Tiwa Savage, Usher, and Wizkid will headline the first Global Citizen Festival to be held in Africa, a free-ticketed event on Sunday, 2 December 2018 at the Fnb Stadium, Johannesburg.
The December event is the culmination of Global Citizen’s “Mandela 100” campaign in partnership with the House of Mandela; a series of global events honouring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela in his centenary year.
Oprah Winfrey will deliver a special keynote address remembering Nelson Mandela and his legacy.
Executive producers of the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 include Dr. Precious Moloi Motsepe, Patrice Motsepe, Kweku Mandela, Dave Holmes, Declan Kelly, Liza Henshaw and Hugh Evans.
Hosts of the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 include Naomi Campbell, Sir Bob Geldof, Gayle King, Bonang Matheba, Tyler Perry,...
The December event is the culmination of Global Citizen’s “Mandela 100” campaign in partnership with the House of Mandela; a series of global events honouring the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela in his centenary year.
Oprah Winfrey will deliver a special keynote address remembering Nelson Mandela and his legacy.
Executive producers of the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 include Dr. Precious Moloi Motsepe, Patrice Motsepe, Kweku Mandela, Dave Holmes, Declan Kelly, Liza Henshaw and Hugh Evans.
Hosts of the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 include Naomi Campbell, Sir Bob Geldof, Gayle King, Bonang Matheba, Tyler Perry,...
- 7/10/2018
- Look to the Stars
The Elders today encouraged all political actors in Zimbabwe to deliver integrity and transparency across the country’s transition, including a level playing field ahead of the upcoming elections.
They reaffirmed how important it is that the electoral process and subsequent actions lead to a significant strengthening of civilian authority at all levels of the state.
The concerns of civil society around rule of law, security and a fair process of electoral registration need to be heard before, during and after the elections to help ensure legitimacy.
The Elders encouraged the Government of Zimbabwe to foster open dialogue with opposition representatives, civil society, the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), the African Union, the United Nations and the wider international community.
They called on the Government and all other stakeholders to promote greater transparency and accountability in the management of the economy. Sustained action is needed to eradicate fraud and corruption,...
They reaffirmed how important it is that the electoral process and subsequent actions lead to a significant strengthening of civilian authority at all levels of the state.
The concerns of civil society around rule of law, security and a fair process of electoral registration need to be heard before, during and after the elections to help ensure legitimacy.
The Elders encouraged the Government of Zimbabwe to foster open dialogue with opposition representatives, civil society, the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), the African Union, the United Nations and the wider international community.
They called on the Government and all other stakeholders to promote greater transparency and accountability in the management of the economy. Sustained action is needed to eradicate fraud and corruption,...
- 4/20/2018
- Look to the Stars
The Elders today called on all political, military and civil society leaders in Zimbabwe to work together towards free and fair elections and a peaceful, inclusive transition following the resignation of former President Robert Mugabe.
They urged all stakeholders to implement immediate socio-economic measures to address urgent issues that affect ordinary Zimbabweans’ welfare and provide relief to their pain and suffering. Zimbabwe’s neighbours in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) countries must do all they can to support a successful political process that respects human rights and returns stability and growth to the country.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, said: “The period between now and the 2018 election is critical both for reconciliation and organised transition in Zimbabwe. All stakeholders should come together and engage in serious debate on a future vision and public policy.”
Graça Machel, co-founder of The Elders and a former freedom fighter in Mozambique, said:...
They urged all stakeholders to implement immediate socio-economic measures to address urgent issues that affect ordinary Zimbabweans’ welfare and provide relief to their pain and suffering. Zimbabwe’s neighbours in the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) countries must do all they can to support a successful political process that respects human rights and returns stability and growth to the country.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, said: “The period between now and the 2018 election is critical both for reconciliation and organised transition in Zimbabwe. All stakeholders should come together and engage in serious debate on a future vision and public policy.”
Graça Machel, co-founder of The Elders and a former freedom fighter in Mozambique, said:...
- 11/28/2017
- Look to the Stars
The Elders expressed grave concern about the political crisis in Kenya that has erupted in the wake of the recent presidential election.
They urged political leaders and their parties to demonstrate statesmanship in order to avoid further deepening the polarisation of Kenyan society.
The Elders believe that the crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and due process.
They noted with dismay reports of violent clashes between police and protestors, which are enflaming the situation.
They urged the security forces to discharge their duties with restraint. Their mission is to protect and serve their people.
Graça Machel, co-founder of The Elders, said: “The eyes of the world are on Kenya. It is incumbent on all political leaders to show integrity and insist their supporters react calmly, peacefully and democratically in the days and weeks ahead.”
From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/17313-the-elders-call-for-restraint-and-reforms-after-kenyan-elections
Related past articles The Elders Urge End Of...
They urged political leaders and their parties to demonstrate statesmanship in order to avoid further deepening the polarisation of Kenyan society.
The Elders believe that the crisis can only be resolved through dialogue and due process.
They noted with dismay reports of violent clashes between police and protestors, which are enflaming the situation.
They urged the security forces to discharge their duties with restraint. Their mission is to protect and serve their people.
Graça Machel, co-founder of The Elders, said: “The eyes of the world are on Kenya. It is incumbent on all political leaders to show integrity and insist their supporters react calmly, peacefully and democratically in the days and weeks ahead.”
From: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/17313-the-elders-call-for-restraint-and-reforms-after-kenyan-elections
Related past articles The Elders Urge End Of...
- 11/8/2017
- Look to the Stars
Beyoncé is lending her song ‘Freedom’ to a Global Goals campaign film demanding #FreedomForGirls on International Day Of The Girl.
Video: Freedom - International Day of the Girl
• The #FreedomForGirls campaign aims to raise awareness and drive action to tackle challenges facing girls around the world and ensure the Global Goals are met.
• International Day of the Girl will see a range of activities led by organisations including the One Campaign, Unicef, Malala Fund and Equality Now, as well as girls taking over leadership positions as part of a global girls takeover led by Plan International.
• The campaign has backing from prominent women and girls including Beyoncé, Melinda Gates, Graça Machel and Muzoon Almellehan.
The Global Goals, agreed to by world leaders in 2015, include a commitment to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030 – Global Goal 5. To mark International Day of the Girl on the 11th October,...
Video: Freedom - International Day of the Girl
• The #FreedomForGirls campaign aims to raise awareness and drive action to tackle challenges facing girls around the world and ensure the Global Goals are met.
• International Day of the Girl will see a range of activities led by organisations including the One Campaign, Unicef, Malala Fund and Equality Now, as well as girls taking over leadership positions as part of a global girls takeover led by Plan International.
• The campaign has backing from prominent women and girls including Beyoncé, Melinda Gates, Graça Machel and Muzoon Almellehan.
The Global Goals, agreed to by world leaders in 2015, include a commitment to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls by 2030 – Global Goal 5. To mark International Day of the Girl on the 11th October,...
- 10/11/2017
- Look to the Stars
Idris Elba gives a powerful central performance in a biopic that treads respectfully while not shying from the uglier truths of the Anc's fight against apartheid
Justin Chadwick's decent, respectful and respectable account of Nelson Mandela's life is vigorously scripted by William Nicholson, and intelligently acted by Idris Elba and Naomie Harris; it appears by a remarkable stroke of fate at almost at the same historical moment as Mandela's death, an event for which the western media had long prepared the shooting script of their own response. The memorial event was naturally expected to be as calm and uplifting as an Olympic ceremony, just the sort of moment which in movie terms would furnish the opening scene, and from which the main drama would then unfold in flashback. In fact, of course, the event was disconcertingly chaotic and even faintly surreal, with press and media unsure quite...
Justin Chadwick's decent, respectful and respectable account of Nelson Mandela's life is vigorously scripted by William Nicholson, and intelligently acted by Idris Elba and Naomie Harris; it appears by a remarkable stroke of fate at almost at the same historical moment as Mandela's death, an event for which the western media had long prepared the shooting script of their own response. The memorial event was naturally expected to be as calm and uplifting as an Olympic ceremony, just the sort of moment which in movie terms would furnish the opening scene, and from which the main drama would then unfold in flashback. In fact, of course, the event was disconcertingly chaotic and even faintly surreal, with press and media unsure quite...
- 1/3/2014
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
So sad. The former South African president died on Dec. 5 at the age of 95. He will be greatly missed. The current president Jacob Zuma announced the passing at 8:50pm local time in South Africa.
Nelson Mandela sadly passed away on Dec.5, 2013 at home in Houghton, South Africa. He had been suffering from a recurring lung infection and was frequently in the hospital over the last year. The revolutionary leader fought passionately against the injustice of apartheid and later dedicated himself to bringing the South African nation together peacefully after apartheid was abolished. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and will not be forgotten.
Nelson Mandela Dead — ‘Will Sleep for Eternity’
In an interview for the documentary, Mandela (1996), Nelson said, “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I...
Nelson Mandela sadly passed away on Dec.5, 2013 at home in Houghton, South Africa. He had been suffering from a recurring lung infection and was frequently in the hospital over the last year. The revolutionary leader fought passionately against the injustice of apartheid and later dedicated himself to bringing the South African nation together peacefully after apartheid was abolished. He leaves behind an incredible legacy and will not be forgotten.
Nelson Mandela Dead — ‘Will Sleep for Eternity’
In an interview for the documentary, Mandela (1996), Nelson said, “Death is something inevitable. When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I...
- 12/6/2013
- by HL Intern
- HollywoodLife
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela died today, December 5 2013 at the age of 95, just 5 months after his birthday. President Jacob Zuma made the announcement from Pretoria, stating that Mandela passed away at 8:50pm in his Houghton home surrounded by his wife, Graça Machel and members of his family, adding that he would be given a state funeral, with flags flying at half-mast until then, in his honor. This sad news comes months after Mandela was hospitalized with a recurring lung infection - a condition that would eventually deteriorate to the point at which he was critical. Despite assurances from the president that Mandela was in a "serious but stable" condition,...
- 12/5/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Naomie Harris became a global star as the Bond girl in Skyfall, but her biggest challenge yet has been playing the controversial figure of Nelson Mandela's wife in the new biopic. Luckily, she says, her co-star was Idris Elba…
The first time I met Naomie Harris was in 2010 in a noisy cafe in Portobello Road, London. I thought then that she was the sort of girl you would have wanted to make your best friend if you had met her at school: warm, talkative, not at all puffed up and not dressed up either. I don't remember what she wore but it wasn't aiming to be memorable. The cafe was noisy so she suggested we talk in her nearby flat. She was best known then for her role in Pirates of the Caribbean and for television dramas (Clara in White Teeth, Hortense in Small Island). She was about to pull into the fast lane,...
The first time I met Naomie Harris was in 2010 in a noisy cafe in Portobello Road, London. I thought then that she was the sort of girl you would have wanted to make your best friend if you had met her at school: warm, talkative, not at all puffed up and not dressed up either. I don't remember what she wore but it wasn't aiming to be memorable. The cafe was noisy so she suggested we talk in her nearby flat. She was best known then for her role in Pirates of the Caribbean and for television dramas (Clara in White Teeth, Hortense in Small Island). She was about to pull into the fast lane,...
- 12/1/2013
- by Kate Kellaway
- The Guardian - Film News
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