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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

The EU must uphold international law. The Elders urge President von der Leyen to build support for a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements and suspend the core trade provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Read in full: theelders.org/news/dear-pr...

theelders.org

Dear President von der Leyen: Ban EU trade with illegal Israeli settlements

The Elders delivered an open letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, on Israel and Palestine.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

✉️NEWSLETTER | The climate crisis will not wait for the world’s geopolitics to improve. Ahead of COP31, Gro Harlem Brundtland urges world leaders to show the courage needed to confront the climate crisis. Read & subscribe via the link in our bio 🔗

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

📺 WATCH LIVE | 10 AM ET / 3 PM BST: UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response What progress has been made, and what gaps remain? As Ebola spreads rapidly in the DRC, the need for stronger global action on pandemics is clear. webtv.un.org/en

webtv.un.org

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UN Web TV is available 24 hours a day with selected LIVE programming of United Nations meetings and events as well as with pre-recorded video features and documentaries on various global issues.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

No nation should be above the law. Impunity must not be normalised. Speaking at Columbia University, Mary Robinson urges us to reject a world ruled by force, underscoring The Elders’ call to leaders at UNGA to stand up for the international rule of law. youtube.com/shorts/P08ks...

youtube.com

"Stand up to bullies. Defend International Law" | Mary Robinson at UNGA

YouTube video by The Elders

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Call For Control, signed by 22 countries and growing, is a welcome step towards stronger AI regulation. Responsible leadership on AI is long overdue, and needed now with ever-increasing urgency. Read The Elders' AI Principles for Leaders here: theelders.org/news/elders-...

“I'm encouraged that government leaders are finally recognising the stakes of failing to govern frontier AI. The Call for Control by 22 countries and counting provides a roadmap to a safer world for all.

But the road ahead is not going to be an easy one. Leaders must find the courage to prioritise cooperation, trust, solidarity, accountability, and integrity, as urgently called for in The Elders’ AI Principles for Leaders.” - Helen Clark, Member of The Elders

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

📺WATCH LIVE | 12-1 PM ET / 5-6 PM BST: Rules or Power? Defending International Law in a Changing World Mary Robinson joins Columbia University's World Leaders Forum to discuss why international law is vital to guard against a wholly “might-is-right” world. worldleaders.columbia.edu/live #UNGA

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

“We can accept a world in which power decides what is permitted, or we can stand up for a world in which the same rules apply to everyone.” - Juan Manuel Santos The Elders’ message to leaders at #UNGA: Defend the rules that protect humanity & uphold the UN's founding principles.

youtube.com

"Might is not right" | Elders' call to leaders at #UNGA 2026

YouTube video by The Elders

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Responsible leadership on AI is needed to protect humanity from growing risks. The Elders are calling on leaders to adopt these ten principles on AI governance and put people before profit and power.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Mary Robinson and Ahmet Üzümcü write in TIME that governing AI will require political courage and leadership - before it is too late. Read their op-ed at the 🔗 in bio.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

"The EU needs to move beyond statements and translate its values into consequential policies. It must act with ambition and integrity or risk weakening the EU’s influence as a global geopolitical actor." 3/3

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

“President von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech is a moment of truth for EU leadership on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She should build on measures already announced by several EU states and table a proposal for all members to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements.” 2/3

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The EU must act with ambition and integrity on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech this Wednesday is an opportunity for her to show leadership and push for a EU ban on trade with Israeli settlements. Read Mary Robinson's quote in full ⬇️ 1/3

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Elders respond to yesterday’s announcement by the UK, France, Canada and nine other governments of measures against Israeli settlements. Read in full ➡️ theelders.org/news/mary-ro...

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Each violation of international law emboldens others. In our latest newsletter, Ernesto Zedillo explores how the international rule of law benefits us in our everyday lives, and why we must act now to protect it. Read here: theelders.org/news/each-vi...

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

“Traveling through the West Bank, we had a visceral sense of a land and people under deepening occupation.” Writing in TIME, Helen Clark & Mary Robinson warn that the Israeli government is threatening to make Palestine disappear. Read their op-ed at the link in bio 🔗

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

The choice of next UN Secretary-General must be the responsibility of all General Assembly members. Graça Machel writes in @passblue.bsky.social that the upcoming vote will be one of the most consequential of this decade for the international community. Read the full op-ed at the link in bio 🔗

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

100 days into the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the international community must respond with far greater urgency. @denismukwege.bsky.social

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

It's been 10 months since a ceasefire was declared in Gaza, but Palestinians are still being killed on a daily basis. Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders, warns that diplomatic talks cannot be an excuse for inaction

“The latest talks to break the political impasse on Gaza are welcome. But while diplomats and envoys keep shuttling around, Israel continues to kill civilians daily, with total impunity. UNICEF reports that on average one child a day has been killed since the October 2025 ceasefire.” - Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders

“As the occupying power, Israel must stop blocking aid. On our visit to the region last month, we were shocked to hear how desperate the situation has become. Humanitarians with decades of experience described conditions never seen before such as children being bitten by rodents as they slept. The Government of Israel is deliberately aiming to make life unliveable.

Every individual death is a tragedy. Collectively, they are an outrage to our common humanity.” - Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

✉️ NEWSLETTER | What we saw in the West Bank: Palestine is disappearing In our latest newsletter, Mary Robinson reflects on her recent trip to the Middle East and the realities she witnessed in the West Bank. Read & subscribe: theelders.org/news/what-we...

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

"In the midst of a worsening nuclear arms race, we are embarking on an equally dangerous AI race." Juan Manuel Santos and Denis Mukwege were honoured to join this week’s Global Nobel Laureates Assembly on Nuclear Weapons and AI, signing the following declaration: theelders.org/news/humanit...

theelders.org

Humanity at the Threshold: A Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Nuclear Weapons

Juan Manuel Santos and Denis Mukwege were honoured to participate in this week's Global Nobel Laureates Assembly on Nuclear Weapons and AI at the Vatican, where they signed the following declaration.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

“The agenda is very clear. What is needed is the political will to act.” Mary Robinson and Helen Clark were in Geneva this week for the first UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Equal access to vaccines and treatments must be prioritised. As discussions get underway in Geneva to finalise the WHO Pandemic Agreement, negotiators should look to the Ebola crisis to see what is at stake.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

✉️ NEWSLETTER | The nuclear threat must not fade from public consciousness Elbegdorj Tsakhia reflects on leading a country caught between two nuclear powers – and why today’s growing nuclear risks demand renewed public action. Read & subscribe: theelders.org/news/nuclear...

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

DECLARACIÓN SOBRE EL CLIMA | Proteger al planeta de daños irreparables no será fácil. Un Consejo Planetario en las Naciones Unidas podría abrir un camino hacia el progreso.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

STATEMENT ON CLIMATE | Protecting the planet from irreparable harm will not be easy. A UN Planetary Council could be a path towards progress. theelders.org/news/un-plan...

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

✉️ NEWSLETTER | The world must not ignore the latest Ebola outbreak. In our latest newsletter, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf reflects on leading during an Ebola outbreak and the risks of the latest crisis. Read & subscribe: theelders.org/news/world-m...

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

“We are fighting this outbreak with far fewer resources than we have had for any comparable crisis in recent memory.” The Ebola epidemic in eastern DRC could become one of the deadliest ever recorded, warns @denismukwege.bsky.social in @lemonde.fr.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

In eastern DRC, Ebola is spreading across a region marked by conflict, weak health systems and years of underinvestment. The current epidemic could become one of the deadliest ever recorded, warns @denismukwege.bsky.social in @lemonde.fr.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

In the age of AI, we must ensure that human dignity remains at the centre of progress. Pope Leo’s recent letter resonates deeply with the Elders’ work in calling for governments to urgently govern AI & ensure that technological development does not override ethics, international law, or diplomacy.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

“Outbreaks will continue; how we manage them, that’s the issue.” The Elders attended a pandemic simulation @who.int's Nairobi Emergency Hub to better understand how Africa and the world can prepare for the next global health emergency. Read the @theguardian.com‘s article: tr.ee/WclY6p

theguardian.com

Hard hats, AI and a fake pandemic: the group of former world leaders practising to save the world

A group set up by Nelson Mandela known as the Elders met in Kenya to model a health emergency – and found much still needs to be done, as the subsequent Ebola outbreak has shown

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 21/05/2026

Climate accountability has entered a new era. The UN General Assembly has strongly backed a landmark ICJ opinion affirming states’ legal duty to prevent serious climate harm. What was once a moral demand is now a legal imperative. Mary Robinson and Helen Clark react 👇

"This is a landmark moment for international law. The obligation to prevent serious harm to the climate system is not a suggestion — it is a legal imperative. Today the UN General-Assembly upheld both the Court's advisory opinion and our collective responsibility to act together." - Mary Robinson, Member of The Elders

"Vanuatu and the core group of states have shown extraordinary leadership on climate action. When those most threatened by the climate crisis speak, the world must — and did — listen." - Helen Clark, Member of The Elders

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Despite funding cuts, Dr. Mohamed Janabi and his team showed cutting-edge, AI-enabled public health intelligence systems transforming how outbreaks are tracked before they escalate. (2/2)

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

The Elders were impressed by their visit to the @who.int Nairobi Emergency Hub and logistics warehouse, a critical nerve centre for health emergency detection and response across Africa. (1/2)

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Las violaciones al derecho internacional tienen consecuencias devastadoras para las personas más vulnerables del mundo. Haz clic para leer la declaración completa 🔗

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

The international rule of law is under sustained assault by the very powers who were supposed to be its guarantors. Now is the moment for global leaders to renew their commitment to the UN Charter and to a world where rights, sovereignty and peace are upheld equally for all.

As Presidents Xi and Trump meet, they and all leaders must act urgently to restore the primacy of the rule of law and protect one of humanity’s greatest political achievements: peaceful coexistence governed by law rather than force.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Following their board meeting in Nairobi, the Elders urge leaders across all sectors of society to defend international rule of law and the values and principles of the UN Charter on which it is based. (2/2) Read the full statement at the🔗 in bio.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Violations of international law have devastating consequences for the world’s most vulnerable people. (1/2)

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

The Elders stand in solidarity with survivors and with all those working to ensure accountability and healing. Their voices must never be ignored. (3/3)

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Jaqueline’s powerful testimony, and the resilience of survivors of rape during Kenya’s 2007–2008 post-election violence, left a profound impact on everyone in the room. (2/3)

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

In Nairobi this week, the Elders were deeply honoured to receive a traditional “rungu”, a Maasai symbol of authority and wisdom, from Jaqueline Namuye Mutere, founder of Grace Agenda, in recognition of their ongoing fight for justice and dignity for survivors of sexual violence. (1/3)

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

“This is the moment for African leaders to defend a just global order.” Writing in @thecontinent.org, Graça Machel calls on African leaders to be guided by their nations’ own history in standing against injustice. Read the full piece at the link in our bio 🔗

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Each month, a different Elder shares firsthand perspectives on a defining issue shaping our world. 📧 Sign up to The Elders’ monthly newsletter now: theelders.org/elders-newsl...

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

The next appointed UN Secretary-General could define the UN’s role in a rapidly changing world. In our latest newsletter, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein sets out why this decision matters more than ever. Read & subscribe at the 🔗 in bio.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

The Elders work for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. Last year, from Egypt to Japan, Morocco to Brazil, they sought to learn from history to pave the way towards a better future. Download the 2025 Annual Review at the link in bio 🔗

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

The transition away from fossil fuels is at a pivotal moment. As the Santa Marta conference on fossil fuels concluded on Wednesday, Mary Robinson and Juan Manuel Santos urged countries to go further and faster on a just transition to renewable energy.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

✉️NEWSLETTER | The choice of the next Secretary-General could decide the UN’s fate. In our latest newsletter, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein unpacks what’s at stake in the UN’s search for its next Secretary-General. Read & subscribe: theelders.org/news/choice-... @ipinst.bsky.social

“In January, the UN will welcome a new Secretary-General. This is not a routine appointment, but one with existential implications. Who member states choose to lead the UN will play a crucial role in shaping its future.”

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

"When we planned Santa Marta, we didn’t know we’d be in the worst crisis of oil and gas. The timing is important. Now is the time to change the [fossil fuel] mindset." Mary Robinson talks to AFP on the Santa Marta conference and the energy transition: www.france24.com/en/live-news...

france24.com

Nations have chance to break 'fossil fuel mindset': Mary Robinson

Former Irish President Mary Robinson has had a front-row seat to historic change -- and senses another turning point coming at a fossil fuel phaseout meeting in Colombia.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 29/04/2026

The system built to protect humanity from nuclear weapons is under growing strain. Amid rising conflict and a new nuclear arms race, the NPT Review Conference is a moment for leaders to show commitment and responsibility to contain nuclear risks.

“The global consensus against the spread of nuclear weapons is weakening at a dangerous moment.”

Ernesto Zedillo
Former President of Mexico
Member of The Elders

“For more than 50 years, the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has been the cornerstone of the global rules-based system of nuclear non-proliferation. Now, arms racing, war and reckless rhetoric by major nuclear powers are pushing that system to breaking point.
Nuclear states must use this Review Conference to demonstrate they take seriously their disarmament commitments, and to rebuild the cooperation between nations which underpinned the Treaty's creation, and on which humanity's collective safety depends.”

Ernesto Zedillo
Former President of Mexico
Member of The Elders

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Major powers are undermining the consensus against nuclear weapons. As the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference begins in New York, nuclear states must prove they are serious about reducing risks and rebuilding the rules-based system of nuclear arms control that protects humanity.

As nuclear risks rise, diplomacy matters more than ever.

The Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty Review Conference is happening just as the consensus against nuclear weapons is eroding.

The NPT Review Conference is a vital opportunity for nuclear states to demonstrate that they take their commitments to disarmament seriously, and restore trust in the global non-proliferation system that has protected humanity since the Cold War.

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The Elders @theelders.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

📝OP-ED | Renewables: A strategy for peace "Moving beyond fossil fuels must be a priority – not just an environmental imperative, but a strategic investment in national and global security." Juan Manuel Santos in El País: english.elpais.com/opinion/2026...

OPINION
Renewables: A strategy for peace
El País

“The US-Israeli war on Iran has starkly exposed the security, economic and climate risks of fossil fuel dependency. Leaders have a clear choice: either pivot to the stability and sustainability of renewable energy, or remain hostages to fortune in a world riven by unpredictable conflict and geopolitical rivalry.”

Writing in El Pais, Juan Manuel Santos argues that renewable energy should be understood as a strategy for peace.

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