The Elders to address the global 'state of hope' in a week of activity to mark Mandela Day

Mary Robinson, Graça Machel, Ban Ki-moon and other members of The Elders will explore the example of Mandela's leadership, how his political philosophy can help address today's global challenges, and where hope can be found in the struggle for peace, justice, and human rights.

They will tackle some of the most intractable problems we face; outlining the severity of the challenges, but also, crucially, identifying where hope and potential solutions can be found. Issues to be covered by the Elders include:

Talks by the Elders will be released daily on a dedicated website (StateOfHope.Live) from Monday 12 July. They will be complemented by video responses from high-profile figures in politics, science and activism; including: Nobel Peace laureate and child rights campaigner, Malala Yousafazi; former UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown; Ugandan climate activist, Vanessa Nakate; and former NASA astronaut, Colonel Chris Hadfield. 

The Elders are also encouraging the public to get involved too by sharing their thoughts on social media with #StateOfHope and by joining members of The Elders for a live online event on 16 July.

The event is free to join and gives people around the world the opportunity to further explore the issues, take part in the State of Hope poll, and submit a question for the live discussion. To take part, visit StateOfHope.Live.

Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and Chair of The Elders said: "The Elders' State of Hope is about taking a moment as the world moves on to the next stage of the pandemic to ask: what are the biggest challenges we face? How did they come about? And crucially, what hope is there of addressing them? The world needs hope, now, more than ever.

"We want the State of Hope to spark a wider discussion about the interconnectedness of our shared challenges and the solidarity, empathy and resilience needed to address them."

Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders said: "When Nelson Mandela founded The Elders on 18 July 2007, he called on us to 'support courage where there is fear and inspire hope where there is despair'. The Elders' State of Hope is an opportunity to realise Madiba's vision as we prepare to mark what would have been his 103^rd birthday.

"Courage is what is needed to address the pernicious challenges to peace, justice and human rights that we see across the world; and the demonstration of that courage is the greatest source of hope we have."

Richard Branson, Patron of The Elders and member of The Elders Advisory Council said: "Every time I reflect on what The Elders have achieved, I am overcome with the same hope and inspiration that sparked their formation almost 15 years ago. As the COVID-19 pandemic shines a harsh light on our world's existing inequalities, The Elders continue to inspire me and so many others through these most trying times.

"As we embark together on one of the most decisive decades of our planet's history, it is vital that we address our shared global challenges, including climate change, human rights and peace and reconciliation. Through State of Hope, The Elders will discuss the biggest challenges of our time in a unique week of talks and digital discussions.

"Every single one of us will benefit from State of Hope, as the more of us who learn from The Elders' empathy and heart-led leadership, the better the world will be."

- Download hi-resolution State of Hope videos, graphics and photos for media use here.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1558105/Mary_Robinson.jpg 

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