The Elders Foundation

Jimmy Carter, a founding Elder and a champion of human rights, democracy, and peace, will be deeply missed. As our Chair Juan Manuel Santos said, 'The world needs more leaders like him.' His legacy will continue to guide us.

President Carter was a key figure in the establishment of The Elders in 2007, alongside Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Kofi Annan. His passion for human rights, dignity, and ethical leadership has inspired us ever since.

The Elders mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter. Our statement ⬇️ The Elders are deeply saddened at the passing of their dear friend and colleague Jimmy Carter, who was a hugely admired and respected member of the group from its founding in 2007 until he chose to step down as an active member in 2016 on health grounds. As a former President of the United States who went on to build a global reputation for his work with The Carter Center in monitoring elections and championing public health issues, he brought immense experience and expertise to the Elders’ work, combined with passionate advocacy for social justice and human rights. In 2002 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Both as President and in his later work, Jimmy Carter was a tireless supporter of peace in the Middle East. He played a key role in Elders’ visits to the region, commanding great respect for his forthright honesty and ability to deal on equal terms with all those he met, from presidents to the humblest grassroots activists. His deep Christian faith and his 77-year-long marriage to his beloved wife Rosalynn (1926-2023) were among the driving forces in his long and active life. Juan Manuel Santos, Chair of The Elders, said: “We are all devastated at the loss of our dear friend Jimmy Carter. Jimmy brought the gravitas of the Presidential office as well as the passion of an activist to The Elders. Even into his 90s, and after his cancer was diagnosed, he inspired us all with his boundless energy and enthusiasm for working to make the world a better place. While we mourn his death today, we also affirm our determination as Elders to continue to uphold his values and beliefs into the future. The world needs more leaders like him.” All of the Elders, their Advisory Council, and staff team members send their heartfelt condolences to Jimmy’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They have lost a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The world has lost an inspirational figure – but one whose achievements will not be forgotten and whose commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights will endure to inspire future generations.

Future epidemics could surpass anything we have experienced in their scale and severity. On International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, Helen Clark reflects on the urgent need for global leadership to address these escalating risks: “2024 saw some potential to improve pandemic preparedness, with progress under Brazil’s G20 presidency on working towards fairer financing and local vaccine production. But delays on the Pandemic Accord and the failure at the UN to make progress on global emergency response co-ordination were missed opportunities. 2025 offers a critical chance to change course. The time to act is now – pandemic threats won’t wait.”

🌏 2024 brought profound challenges. Yet, through our global advocacy, The Elders have seen that the wisdom and courage needed to overcome even the most intractable problems exists in all generations.

The Elders call on Japan to intensify its efforts and cut emissions by 66% by 2035. This is what the science demands to reach the Paris Agreement goals and avert the worst impacts of #climatechange. And this is what will support Japanese businesses, local governments and civil society eager to unlock more innovation and growth in the country. https://lnkd.in/eecH2KPG

The Elders join the call for a woman Secretary-General, as the race to appoint a new head of the United Nations kicks off next year. #MadameSG, #UnitedNations, #nextSG, #1For8Billion

🌎 This #HumanRightsDay, The Elders call on leaders to live up to their commitments to make universal human rights a reality for all. #OurRightsOurFuture

The Elders offer their warmest congratulations to Nihon Hidankyo, the remarkable organisation of the hibakusha — the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki — on receiving the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. Our Chair, Juan Manuel Santos, delivers this message on behalf of the group. Nobel Peace Center The Nobel Prize International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

In our December newsletter, Graça Machel highlights the catastrophic human suffering in Gaza, urging the global community to act and ensure accountability. ✉️Read and subscribe here: https://lnkd.in/e5T73AYC