Dear Friends, 

As we approach the end of the year, many of us will be looking forward to spending time with family and friends, sharing memories and reflecting on our achievements, as well as setting goals for the future. It is also traditionally a time for serving others and sharing what we have with those in need.

When I was invited to join The Elders in September 2009, I knew it would be impossible to refuse this offer to serve people in different parts of the world and share my own experiences of peacemaking and diplomacy to help those affected by conflict together with my fellow Elders.

I am immensely grateful for the time we’ve spent working together since then to “support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair”. To make the goals Nelson Mandela set for us a reality. 

Now the time has come for me to take the difficult decision to step down as an active member of The Elders. As an “Emeritus Elder”, I will continue to support the group’s work in every way I can, and I know that with our new Chair Mary Robinson at the helm, The Elders will continue to work with renewed vigour towards our common goals.

Recent highlights

We have redesigned our website: theelders.org. Visit to see brand new content, find out more about who The Elders are and how they work, and catch up on our latest activities.