Introducing the Elders: Global Leaders to Provide Wisdom to the World

No, it's not the Jedi Knights from the Star Wars mythologies, the Fantastic Four, or The Three Wise Men. It's The Elders.Nelson Mandela, Graca Machel, and Desmond Tutu have put together a historic group of global leaders "Out of deep concern for the challenges facing all of the people of our world" to "contribute their wisdom, independent leadership and integrity to tackle some of the world's toughest problems".

Wednesday was Nelson Mandela's 89th birthday, and he announced to the world the formation of The Elders and discussed their mission. Founding members of the group, Desmond Tutu, Graca Machel, Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, Li Zhaoxing, Mary Robinson and Muhammad Yunus were present for Mandela's announcement. The other founding members of The Elders, Ela Bhatt and Gro Harlem Brundtland, were unable to attend.

The Elders are interested in creating a Global Village and solving world problems. A village sign-up form is available on their website www.theelders.org.

Mandela spoke about why The Elders will be successful. "This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken. Together we will work to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict, and inspire hope where there is despair."

Tutu, who is the chair of The Elders, added these comments. "Despite all of the ghastliness
that is around, human beings are made for goodness. The ones who ought to be held in high regard are not the ones who are militarily powerful, nor even economically prosperous. They are the ones who have a commitment to try and make the world a better place. We -- The Elders -- will endeavor to support those people and do our best for humanity."

The basic premise of The Elders is simple. For their model, The Elders looked to the model of traditional village elders, the men and women who have been trusted by their communities to provide leadership and help them solve their problems. The idea began in 1999, with Peter Gabriel and James Branson, who took the idea to Nelson Mandela a few years later.