Elders (organization)

Elders (organization)
Name	Elders
Formation	2007
Founder	Richard Branson, Peter Gabriel
Type	NGO
Headquarters	London, United Kingdom
Leader title	Chair
Leader name	Mary Robinson

Elders (organization). The Elders is an independent group of global leaders, founded in 2007, who work together for peace, justice, and human rights. The initiative was brought to life through the collaboration of Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel, inspired by the concept of respected elders contributing wisdom to global challenges. The organization operates as a non-governmental organization based in London, leveraging the collective experience of its prominent members to engage in diplomacy, advocacy, and mediation on the world stage.

History and formation

The concept for the Elders was first proposed by the entrepreneur Richard Branson and musician Peter Gabriel in 2000, who envisioned a council of senior statespersons operating independently of governmental influence. The idea gained crucial support from former South African President Nelson Mandela, who officially launched the group alongside his wife Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu in Johannesburg in 2007. The founding was also supported by the philanthropist Kofi Annan, who would later serve as Chair. The group's formation was a direct response to perceived failures in traditional diplomacy and international relations, aiming to provide a new voice for conflict resolution and ethical leadership. Initial funding and logistical support came from a partnership with The United Nations Foundation and the philanthropic organizations of Richard Branson and others.

Mission and objectives

The core mission of the Elders is to promote the shared interests of humanity by fostering dialogue and offering counsel on critical global issues. Its primary objectives include tackling the root causes of human suffering, such as armed conflict and climate change, and championing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The group aims to support the work of grassroots movements and civil society, particularly in regions affected by violence or political stagnation. A key objective is to speak truth to power, engaging directly with political leaders, from the United Nations Security Council to national governments, while remaining free from the constraints of electoral politics or economic interests.

Members and leadership

Membership is composed of independent global figures renowned for their integrity and commitment to public service. The inaugural Chair was Nelson Mandela, followed by Kofi Annan, and later Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Other notable past and present Elders include Jimmy Carter, the former President of the United States; Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations; Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway; and Lakhdar Brahimi, the veteran Algerian diplomat. Members serve in a personal capacity, not as representatives of their nations or former offices, and are selected through consensus by the existing group.

Activities and initiatives

The Elders engage in quiet diplomacy, public advocacy, and fact-finding missions. Key initiatives have included efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Cyprus, the Korean Peninsula, and the Middle East, often involving direct travel and meetings with leaders like those in Iran and Sudan. They have launched major campaigns on issues such as Universal Health Coverage, gender equality through the "Every Woman Every Child" movement, and combating climate change, frequently collaborating with entities like the World Health Organization and the African Union. Their work often involves issuing public statements, publishing op-eds in outlets like The Guardian, and participating in global forums such as the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Governance and funding

The organization is governed by its Chair and the collective of Elders, with operational support provided by a small secretariat based in London. Strategic decisions are made collectively during regular meetings. Funding is derived entirely from philanthropic sources, including significant contributions from foundations such as the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Humanity United, and the United Nations Foundation. It maintains a strict policy of not accepting government funding to preserve its independence, and its financial operations are audited annually to ensure transparency. Key operational partners have included Oxfam and other international non-governmental organizations.

Impact and recognition

The Elders' impact is often measured by their ability to open channels of communication in tense political environments, such as their visits to Iran and Myanmar, and their sustained advocacy for the Paris Agreement on climate change. They have received recognition for amplifying marginalized voices, particularly in campaigns to end child marriage and promote the Sustainable Development Goals. While their influence is sometimes characterized as symbolic or behind-the-scenes, their public interventions and moral authority have been cited by leaders in the European Union and the African Union as valuable contributions to international discourse. The group continues to be a prominent voice in calls for reforming global institutions like the United Nations.

Category:International non-governmental organizations Category:Peace organizations Category:Organizations established in 2007