Dear friends,

As many of you will know already, I am retiring this month as CEO of The Elders, after three rich and rewarding years. So I would like to use this opportunity to offer some personal reflections on the work of this wonderful organisation and its future challenges.

When I joined The Elders in 2013, the world faced many of the same problems it is confronted with today. Climate change, human rights abuses, social and gender inequality, and armed conflict continue to pose serious political and moral challenges.

Two women, worlds apart, both fighting for gender equality and climate justice.

What does climate change have to do with women's rights? For International Women's Day on 8 March, Mary Robinson and activist Kathy Jetnil-Kijiner reflected on the struggles of women for whom climate change is a lived reality every day.

Recent highlights

The Elders - Mission Statement

Some of us have been in charge of countries. Or Secretary-General of the United Nations. We are The Elders: independent global leaders working together for peace and human rights.