Throughout the ages, there have been leaders who rose up among us, to shine their light. Some religious, some political, each gave us a vision of greatness for the world we share. Each of them beacons of a brighter future.
Today we have been given a gift, a gift beyond all those before. Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel, with Nelson Mandela have formed an alliance, a coalition of great leaders. They are calling this group The Elders, in the tradition of indigenous cultures everywhere. The Elders of a Global Village.
This group includes Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Mohammad Yunus, Kofi Annan, Mary Robinson, Li Zhaoxing, Ela Bhatt, Gro Brundtland, Fernando Cardoso, Aung San Suu Kyi, Jimmy Carter, Graca Machel, Lakhdar Brahimi. The Elders, trusted by their people to solve conflicts within their community.Never before has such a powerful group come together, free from political, economic or military pressures.
The Elders' first mission in Darfur
The only agenda of the elders is that of humanity. Their only purpose is to ease human suffering in three essential areas:
1. Offering a catalyst for the peaceful resolution of conflict.
2. Seeking new approaches to seemingly intractable global issues.
3. Sharing wisdom: reaching out to grassroots elders and to the next generation of leaders.
Listening and helping to amplify voices for good all over the world.The Elders are supported by Founders who will provide financial and other resources to ensure they can fully focus upon their mission.The Elders chose Darfur as their first mission.
