The Elders Foundation

The world cannot reward Russia's aggression. Any peace negotiations must include Ukraine if justice is to be delivered. Juan Manuel Santos says: “Three years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Elders reaffirm our solidarity with the courageous Ukrainian people and President Zelenskyy as the country’s democratically elected leader. The conflict is entering a critical phase. Ukraine’s direct participation in any peace talks is absolutely essential. A settlement negotiated by the USA and Russia alone cannot deliver the justice, accountability and security guarantees that Ukraine deserves after three years of Russian aggression and atrocity crimes. Other European countries also need to be involved. The whole world will pay a terrible price if Russia’s crime of aggression is rewarded. Ukraine’s allies in Europe and beyond must stand firm and insist on a credible path to inclusive peace talks, where sovereignty and international law are paramount.” https://lnkd.in/eF3rjuhk

Misinformation during COVID-19 undermined trust and unity. With future pandemic threats inevitable, The Elders urge leaders to develop strategies to counter false information and ensure science drives the policy response. Read the full paper: https://lnkd.in/eSdpEFXm

“That idea will not fly.” In an interview with BBC Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet at the recent Munich Security Conference, Juan Manuel Santos discusses Trump’s remarks on Gaza plans and the alarming erosion of international norms caused by ongoing conflicts across the world.

Global pandemic preparedness must be built on equity, not empty promises. Pandemics don’t know borders. The Elders urge leaders to ensure fair access to vaccines, treatments and funding, Protection from pandemics requires true solidarity. https://lnkd.in/eSdpEFXm

#MSC2025 Elders' visit wrap up: The Elders joined world leaders at the annual Munich Security Conference (February 14-16) at a time of profound geopolitical risk and uncertainty. Juan Manuel Santos, Mary Robinson, Helen Clark, Elbegdorj Tsakhia and Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein held a series of meetings with ministers, experts and civil society representatives and women’s groups, discussing conflicts and security threats in Ukraine, the Middle East and Myanmar, as well as the urgent need for stronger multilateral responses to existential threats like the climate and nature crisis, pandemics and nuclear weapons. The Elders were alarmed at signals that the USA and Russia are preparing to negotiate directly on ending the war in Ukraine, but without Ukrainian or any European participation. They also made clear their rejection of any “solution” to the current Gaza conflict that involves the forced transfer of Palestinians, and encouraged Arab and European leaders to stand together and promote an alternative that guarantees security and human rights for all. At a time when some speakers questioned the fundamental values underpinning the Munich Security Conference – respectful dialogue and collaborative approaches to shared problems – the Elders reaffirmed their commitment to working together in such fora to promote peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.

Global pandemic financing must be fair, sustainable, and fit for purpose. The Elders urge leaders to move beyond outdated donor-driven models and adopt a Global Public Investment approach, where all contribute, all decide, and funding is allocated by need. Read the full paper and join the call for change: https://lnkd.in/eJT5qYME

The Elders are delighted to receive The Climate Change Leadership Institute Climate Courage Award. We wholeheartedly endorse CCLI's message that enduring solutions to the climate and nature crisis require bold, long-view leadership.

To build a more resilient world, pandemic preparedness must be a core part of crisis planning, not an afterthought. The Elders’ new policy paper outlines bold, intersectional action to drive lasting solutions. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eSdpEFXm

📧 In our February newsletter, Helen Clark, member of The Elders and former Prime Minister of New Zealand, calls on leaders to reject isolationism in favour of collaboration and dialogue to tackle mounting global threats. ✅ Read and subscribe on LinkedIn.

January was the warmest on record. The last ten years were the ten warmest years on record. People around the world are facing more wildfires, droughts and floods. World leaders can turn the tide. They must cut emissions and submit ambitious national climate plans that reflect the severity of the crisis. Wopke Hoekstra Ursula von der Leyen EU Environment and Climate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva Simon Stiell