The 'Global Elders': A Robust Force for Good

I know.. Not really a nonprofit campaign. But such a promising and deeply inspiring initiative to make a global difference, that to me it belongs here more than anything else.
From the Telegraph:
Nelson Mandela celebrated his 89th birthday yesterday with a new initiative demonstrating the moral authority he still carries deep into his retirement. The former South African president will be the leading figure in the "Global Elders", a group of "12 wise men and women" who will address global problems by offering expertise and guidance. "
The Elders can become a fiercely independent and robust force for good, tackling conflicts and intractable issues, especially those that are not popular," said Mr Mandela. The group will "speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes, working wherever our help is needed".

Update: Information about The Global Elders initiative can now be found at their website The Elders

He added: "This group derives its strength not from military, political or economic power, but from the independence and integrity of those who are here."

The club's members will comprise former presidents, elder statesmen, leaders and activists and probably five Nobel laureates. There will eventually be 12 Global Elders - but the exact make-up of the group was in flux right up until yesterday's announcement.

As well as Mr Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel, the group comprises Desmond Tutu, the Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town; Jimmy Carter, the former American president; Mary Robinson, the former Irish president; Kofi Annan, the former secretary general of the United Nations; and Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate economist and founder of the Green Bank in Bangladesh, where he is known as "banker to the poor". All were at the launch in Johannesburg yesterday.

Li Zhaoxing, until two months ago the foreign minister of China, has also been invited to join, along with Ela Bhatt, the Indian activist and founder of a women's association. Gro Harlen Bruntland, formerly prime minister of Norway and director of the World Health Organisation, may also become a member.

An empty chair was set on stage yesterday and will be reserved at all Elders meetings for the Burmese opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, who is now the prisoner of the military junta despite her victory in a democratic election in 1990.

Comments

[Jos]

Ja, goed he? En hoopgevend en inderdaad, dit keer ;-), inspirerend. Dit zouden meer mensen moeten doen.
En: goed stukje!

[IGBarb19]

Very interesting initiative; particularly in an era hurtling toward future. We really need such groups of experienced, informed and respected figures who can make creative and "wise" contributions to solutions for our increasingly long list of global problems--many of which get downplayed or even ignored by those currently holding the reins of power in various fields.