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At the same time, we saw new and old conflicts break out – and as always, it is ordinary people who suffer most. In South Sudan, we sat down with refugees who had fled fighting and hunger in the border areas. In Israel and Palestine, we listened to seasoned peace advocates who despair of the state of the peace process.
Two of our members, Kofi Annan and Lakhdar Brahimi, were tasked with trying to help end Syria’s terrible civil war; as the fighting rages on, I pray fervently that 2013 will bring some peace to this shattered country.
A huge thank you
Last year we said farewell to our sister Aung San Suu Kyi, who stepped down as an Honorary Elder after her historic election to parliament in Burma/Myanmar. We give our heartfelt thanks to Mabel van Oranje
who has served as CEO so splendidly for the last four years, and warmly welcome our new CEO, Lesley-Anne Knight, to The Elders' family.
Our deepest gratitude is reserved for all of you, for supporting our work and sharing this journey with us. Your stories, your ideas and your efforts to bring about change are a great inspiration. We Elders are nothing without you. May this year bring you all peace and joy.
Much love and blessings,
Desmond Tutu
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