The Elders

Hina JilaniDear friends,

Although I became an Elder last year, this is my first time writing to all of you, so to introduce myself: I am a lawyer and human rights defender. My background is in the women’s rights movement in Pakistan, where I still live and work.

As a human rights lawyer, I look at every issue through a human rights lens. This is particularly important for climate change, which cannot be understood as a purely scientific, environmental issue. Above all, climate change affects people – and the most vulnerable among us are affected most of all.

Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and I discussed this very topic with young activists, students and entrepreneurs in Paris last month. These young people are rightly outraged by the injustice of climate change. They are frustrated with political leaders who, by failing to act, are condemning their generation and future generations to a world of conflict, hardship and inequity. My message to these and all young people is: never stop being outraged. Never allow yourselves to become apathetic and pessimistic.

In turn, we Elders were inspired by what we saw and heard during that debate. A room full of young people determined to put their energy into mobilising their fellow citizens, challenging leaders and corporations, changing their own lifestyles, and working together across borders to find solutions to climate change.

It was a privilege to be asked to join The Elders, a group with with no vested interests apart from our common humanity, who are unafraid to speak truth to power. And I have been glad to see that even with our combined experience and influence, we do not underestimate the importance of listening to our ‘Youngers’. I look forward to many more such productive and inspiring discussions.

Best wishes,

Hina Jilani

Did you miss?

 
Aglaé Jézéquel Jimmy Carter and Hina Jilani on stage

GUEST BLOG: If we don’t raise our voices, no one will do it for us | Aglaé Jézéquel & Noella Nsamwa

ROUND-UP: Elders climate debate: the view from Twitter

 
“I strongly urge the international community to respect the democratic choices of the Palestinian people.” Martti Ahtisaari and Gro Harlem Brundtland at a hospital in a refugee camp

STATEMENT: The Elders applaud Palestinian unity agreement

REPORT: The Elders’ visit to Myanmar, 23-28 March 2014

 
“We urge the youth not to underestimate their power, influence and responsibility to address the biggest challenge of our time.” Naw K'nyaw Paw

BLOG: Climate change: who will lead? | Jimmy Carter & Mary Robinson

GUEST BLOG: With equality for all, the union will be stronger | Naw K'nyaw Paw