Dear friends,

The new year is a time for reflections and resolutions, and a moment to recommit ourselves to the causes we hold dear. 

As Chair of The Elders, I am proud of everything our group has achieved over the last twelve months, from politically-sensitive missions to the Middle East and Zimbabwe in the cause of political dialogue and conflict resolution, to the celebrations for our founder Nelson Mandela’s centenary in South Africa in July 2018.

But the loss of Kofi Annan of course remains a grievous blow which renders these reflections bittersweet. We all miss Kofi’s voice, wisdom, compassion and shrewd judgement – and I know that we are all determined to continue our work as Elders to honour his legacy and build on his achievements.

Our work remains substantial, and urgent. Today, our world faces two existential threats that are the top priorities for The Elders in 2019: climate change and nuclear proliferation. Both threats demand a concerted and coordinated international response, and in both cases the consequences of inaction are genuinely frightening.

Recent highlights

We have published an online version of the 100 Sparks of Hope book. Read 100 stories of impressive organisations continuing Mandela's long walk to freedom all over the world.