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The Elders

@theelders.bsky.social

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Founded by Nelson Mandela, we are independent global leaders working together for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. linktr.ee/theelders_org

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · Aug 11

What they saw: massive quantities of food and medicines like ibuprofen ready for delivery to Gazans but blocked by Israeli authorities.

What they saw: massive quantities of food and medicines like ibuprofen ready for delivery to Gazans but blocked by Israeli authorities.

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WHO truck held at Rafah Crossing, carrying vital medical supplies.

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 1d

ELDERS’ STATEMENT | US deal must stop Gaza genocide, end occupation and build a just two-state solution

The ceasefire is a welcome step - but it must be built upon. The Elders set out what’s needed next to achieve a just and lasting peace ⬇️

theelders.org/news/us-deal...

ELDERS' STATEMENT 10.10.2025
US deal must stop Gaza genocide, end occupation and build a just two-state solution

ELDERS' STATEMENT 10.10.2025
ISRAEL/PALESTINE
“Making further progress will be a test of leaders’ resolve and commitment. Now is not the time to relax pressure on either Israel or Hamas, particularly for the US, European and Arab states with leverage via various political, cultural and economic relationships.”
READ IN FULL VIA THEELDERS.ORG

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 1d

The Elders congratulate María Corina Machado for winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

“The Elders congratulate María Corina Machado for winning the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. This is a testament to her courage and perseverance in fighting for peace and democracy in Venezuela. We reiterate our condemnation of the widespread repression and human rights violations in the country and urge all parties to pursue steps towards inclusive national dialogue.”

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 6d

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 7d

The Elders' Chair Juan Manuel Santos urges Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza following Hamas’ agreement to release the hostages.

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 10d

Today would have been Jimmy Carter’s 101st birthday.

We remember a founding member of The Elders whose integrity, compassion and tireless work for peace, democracy & human rights left an indelible mark on the world.

His legacy continues to inspire.

"What are the things that you can't see that are important? Justice, truth, humility, service, compassion, love... They're the guiding lights of a life." - Jimmy Carter, Founding member of the Elders, 39th president of the United States, Nobel peace Laureate

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 14d

Nelson Mandela’s statue at the UN reminds us that true leadership is courage in action.

"Do not look away, do not hesitate. The world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision."

His vision still inspires us today. #UNGA80

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 17d

The Elders met with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi to discuss the snapback of UN sanctions on Iran.

Elders reaffirmed the importance of good faith diplomatic engagement by all sides as the only sustainable long-term pathway forward.

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18d

🧵(5/5) Read their comments in full: theelders.org/news/elders-...

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18d

🧵(4/5) Helen Clark: Recognition must be a turning point – stop arms, demand accountability.

Israel-Palestine
"The war in Gaza has already gone on too long...Transfer of arms and weapons components to Israel must cease immediately, and targeted sanctions should be applied to Prime Minister Netanyahu and his war cabinet." - Helen Clark, member of The Elders

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18d

🧵(3/5) Mary Robinson: Momentum is building to chart a real pathway to peace.

Israel-Palestine
"The message from the international community is clear: the conditions now exist to chart a genuine pathway to peace... President Trump has before him a pivotal opportunity. He can seize this moment to lead the way towards a comprehensive peace plan." - Mary Robinson, member of The Elders

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18d

🧵(2/5) Juan Manuel Santos: Recognition of Palestine is only the first step.

Israel-Palestine
"Recognition of Palestine is not the finish line - it is an essential first step. France and Saudi Arabia deserve credit for convening political leaders to drive concrete actions towards a lasting solution." - Juan Manuel Santos, Chair of The Elders

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18d

France, the UK, Portugal, Australia & Canada have now recognised the State of Palestine.

🧵Elders Juan Manuel Santos, Mary Robinson & Helen Clark share their reactions at #UNGA 👇

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18d

Mary Robinson responds to the 2025 Production Gap Report from SEI Climate, calling out governments' reckless expansion of fossil fuels despite climate commitments.

productiongap.org/2025report/

Climate & nature crisis
"Governments still pour billions into subsidies and support for fossil fuel production, locking us into harm. The ICJ has underlined that such actions may no longer just be reckless, they could be unlawful. Every year of delay locks us deeper into dependence." - Mary Robinson, member of The Elders

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18d

Security isn’t just about weapons, it’s about people, communities, and our shared future. That’s why we’re proud to have helped launch Women Transforming Global Security: transformingsecurity.org

#WTGS #WomenLeadSecurity #TransformingSecurity

“Women’s perspectives are too often absent from these debates and need to be heard. This network can play a vital role in convening diverse voices, building trust, and catalysing action.”

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18d

For too long women’s voices have been excluded from the security debate, including on nuclear weapons. It’s time to change that.

The Women Transforming Global Security network aims to put feminist leadership at the heart of global security.

Learn more: transformingsecurity.org

“The Elders are delighted to support the launch of Women "Transforming Global Security. As a young woman, I joined tens of thousands of women and men marching against nuclear weapons at the height of the Cold War in the 1970s and 80s. We need a similar sense of urgency and activism today as geopolitical tensions reach dangerous levels.”
— Mary Robinson, THE ELDERS

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 19d

Effective global rules for AI can turn it into a force for good – not a runaway risk.

Elders Juan Manuel Santos and Mary Robinson back calls for a binding international agreement to prevent the gravest threats to humanity and stability.

red-lines.ai #AIRedLines

200+ prominent figures endorse Global Call for AI Red Lines

AI could soon far surpass human capabilities and escalate risks such as engineered pandemics, widespread disinformation, large-scale manipulation of individuals including children...

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 22d

In case you missed it: Juan Manuel Santos joined the Future of Africa podcast to reflect on the indigenous mandate that shaped his leadership, why working with youth matters, and the power of dialogue to build lasting peace.

🎧 Listen here: bit.ly/4moqtWb

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 23d

The UN is turning 80, but is it ready for today’s challenges?

Join The Elders & @ipinst.bsky.social to debate the reforms needed to protect the future of multilateralism.

📅 Thurs 25 Sept
⏰ 1pm EDT
📍 New York / online

Register here: bit.ly/3K9vP9y

IPI Event: The UN at 80: Charting a Path for the Future of Multilateralism on September 25

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 23d

📝 OP-ED: How Trump Could Ensure His Legacy as a Peacemaker

"We cannot bomb our way to peace... The US must lead the way in preventing nuclear war – for the sake of its own citizens, and for everyone else."

Juan Manuel Santos' joint op-ed in @projectsyndicate.bsky.social: bit.ly/3VpKFel

How Trump Could Ensure His Legacy as a Peacemaker

David Gross, et al explain how to reduce the risk of nuclear conflict at a time when the risks of one are rising.

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 25d

Multilateralism is facing its greatest crisis since the Second World War.

But the answer is not to abandon global cooperation.

The UN and our multilateral institutions must be reformed. #UNGA

Read the Elders' policy paper: theelders.org/Multilateral...

“Cooperation is vital to ensure a sustainable future for humanity, and that means having a multilateral system that is fit for purpose and reflects the world of 2025, not 1945.” - Juan Manuel Santos, Chair of The Elders

“Our world faces a perilous set of existential threats. No single country can address climate change, nuclear weapons, pandemics or AI on its own. Cooperation is vital to ensure a sustainable future for humanity, and that means having a multilateral system that is fit for purpose and reflects the world of 2025, not 1945. As Elders we do not claim to have all the answers, but we hope our paper can stimulate debate at the upcoming UNGA High-Level Week.” - Juan Manuel Santos, Chair of The Elders

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 26d

The Elders’ new policy paper sets out 9 recommendations to make the UN and global institutions more effective and representative.

Read it here: theelders.org/Multilateral...

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 26d

“Multilateralism must be reformed, not abandoned.”

As world leaders prepare to meet in New York for #UNGA, The Elders warn the multilateral system is failing humanity’s biggest tests: conflicts, climate, nuclear weapons, pandemics and AI.

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · Sep 4

✉️ NEWSLETTER | What we saw in Rafah: aid blocked as famine declared in Gaza

Mary Robinson recounts the Elders’ trip to Egypt’s Rafah border and urges Europe and the US to take decisive action to end the Gaza crisis.

Read & subscribe: theelders.org/news/what-we...

Picture of Mary Robinson looking at aid trucks stuck at the Rafah border. Quote reads: '“This obstruction of aid is a deliberate policy of the Israeli government – and it is driving what I believe is an unfolding genocide.” - Mary Robinson, member of The Elders'

The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · Aug 29

18 years ago, journalist Mick Brown was present at the inaugural gathering of The Elders.

This year, he joined them again during their strategy retreat, observing today’s urgent challenges and how Mandela’s vision continues to guide their work.

www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...

Reposted by The Elders

Pandemic Action Network @panaction.bsky.social · Aug 15

📌JOIN US at #UNGA80! @panaction.bsky.social, @theindpanel.bsky.social, @theelders.bsky.social, @africaeuropefdn.bsky.social, @ranafrica.org's
Sept. 23 side event will bring together leaders around rebuilding multilateralism & galvanising action to tackle interconnected threats. tinyurl.com/y7xrwjea