The Elders

The Elders
Founded	18 July 2007
Founders	Richard Branson, Peter Gabriel
Type	Non-governmental organization
Focus	Human rights, conflict resolution, climate change
Headquarters	London, United Kingdom
Website	theelders.org

The Elders. The Elders is an independent group of global leaders, first convened in 2007, who work collectively for peace, justice, and human rights. Founded through the initiative of entrepreneur Richard Branson and musician Peter Gabriel, the organization brings together former heads of state, senior diplomats, and Nobel laureates to address the world's most intractable problems. Operating outside traditional diplomatic channels, they use their collective experience and moral authority to engage in private advocacy and public diplomacy.

History and formation

The concept for the group was inspired by the traditional role of village elders and was championed by Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel. They presented the idea to former South African president Nelson Mandela, who became the founding chair and publicly launched the initiative on his 89th birthday in 2007 in Johannesburg. Mandela was joined by other founding members including Graça Machel, Desmond Tutu, and former United States president Jimmy Carter. The inaugural meeting was held in 2008 at the Bruton home of Peter Gabriel. The group's formation was a direct response to perceived failures of traditional international institutions like the United Nations Security Council to resolve persistent global conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Mission and objectives

The core mission is to promote the shared interests of humanity by fostering dialogue and challenging injustice. Their stated objectives include supporting peace processes in regions like the Middle East and encouraging inclusive governance. They aim to address existential threats such as the climate crisis and global health inequities, advocating for solutions grounded in international law and universal human rights. A key principle is acting as a "global voice of conscience," offering impartial counsel and using their independence to speak truth to power without the constraints of political office.

Membership and leadership

Membership is by invitation only and comprises respected senior figures with proven ethical leadership. The founding chair was Nelson Mandela, succeeded by Desmond Tutu and later Kofi Annan. Subsequent chairs have included Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland, and Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations. Notable past and present members include Gro Harlem Brundtland, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, and Juan Manuel Santos. Members serve in a personal capacity, not as representatives of their nations or former offices, and participate based on their availability and the strategic needs of the organization.

Key initiatives and campaigns

The group has engaged in numerous high-profile diplomatic and advocacy efforts. They have conducted delegations to support peace in Cyprus, the Korean Peninsula, and Ethiopia. A major campaign has focused on reforming the United Nations, particularly the use of the veto power in the Security Council during mass atrocities. Other significant initiatives include advocating for universal access to COVID-19 vaccines, promoting the Paris Agreement on climate change, and supporting women's leadership through the work of individual members like Graça Machel. They often issue joint statements and open letters addressing crises from Myanmar to Sudan.

Funding and organizational structure

The organization is funded by a consortium of philanthropic donors, including The Branson Family, The Gabriel Foundation, and The United Nations Foundation. It operates as a lean secretariat based in London, led by an executive director who manages a small professional staff. The structure is designed to be agile, allowing members to convene quickly and speak with one voice. Strategic decisions are made collectively by the members, with the chair providing overall direction. Financial reports are published annually to maintain transparency with its supporters and the public.

Public perception and impact

The Elders are generally viewed as a respected, high-level advocacy group, though their direct impact on policy is debated. Their interventions are often welcomed by civil society organizations in conflict zones for drawing international attention. Critics sometimes question the efficacy of "elite diplomacy" and the group's ability to influence powerful governments. However, their moral authority and media profile have kept critical issues on the global agenda, and their private diplomacy has reportedly opened backchannels in several stalled peace processes. Their legacy is intertwined with the towering reputations of its founders and early members like Nelson Mandela and Kofi Annan.

Category:International organizations Category:Human rights organizations Category:Peace organizations