Nelson
Mandela’s Speech at the Launch of The Elders
Johannesburg, 18 July 2007
In today’s world, many of the
problems we face are global in nature. These include climate change, pandemics
such as aids, malaria and TB. And of course, that entirely human created
affliction: violent conflict.
The structures we have to deal
with these problems are often tied down by political, economic or geographical
constraints.
As institutions of government
grapple – often unequally – with challenges they face, the efforts of a small,
dedicated group of leaders, working objectively and without any vested personal
interest in the outcome, can help resolve what often seems like intractable
problems.
We have the makings of such a
group. Some of them are here, others could regrettably not attend. Using their
collective experience, their moral courage and their ability to rise above the
parochial concerns of nation, race and creed, they can help make our planet a
more peaceful, healthy and equitable place to live.
Let us call them Global Elders,
not because of their age, but because of their individual and collective
wisdom.
This group derives its strength
not from political, economic or military power, but from the independence and
integrity of those who are here.
They do not have careers to
build, elections to win, constituencies to please. They can talk to anyone they
please, and are free to follow paths they deem right, even if hugely unpopular.
It is now several years since
Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel came to me with their idea for The Elders.
Since then I have watched the concept grow, gain structure and strength, and
become a real, viable, and pragmatic initiative.
I believe that, with their
experience and their energies, and their profound commitment to building a
better world, The Elders can become a fiercely independent and robust force for
good, tackling complex and intractable issues, especially those that are not
popular.
However, I know that this group
will not become arbitrary and arrogant, and that it will seek advice from
expert organisations and work cooperatively with them. What’s more, they will
not take the easy, short term route, but support long-term, sustainable
approaches that address the root causes of the problems they tackle.
They are I know, committed to
working with local and indigenous knowledge; to listening and bringing together
antagonists and protagonists; to working with anyone who is motivated to
resolve a problem. They can help foster and introduce innovative ideas and
little known solutions to connect those who have real practical needs with
those who have something to give.
Through their friends in
business, they can mobilise up-to-date technology, and raise not only awareness
of forgotten issues, but also help locate the resources to address them.
But whatever techniques they use,
I believe that in the end it is kindness and generous accommodation that are
the catalysts for real change. I know these esteemed friends of mine are
capable of doing all these things.
And I expect that, if my friend
the Archbishop has anything to do with it, they will insist on assuming the
essential interdependence of all human-kind. We call this the spirit of Ubuntu
– that profound African sense that we are human only through the humanity of
other human beings.
I am confident that the Elders
can become a real role model – leading, guiding and supporting all sorts of
initiatives, both their own and those of many others.
The Elders can speak freely and
boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to
be taken.
They will reach out to those who
most need their help. It is those who have the least and who therefore suffer
the most. It is those who are rarely heard. This group of Elders can represent
them and make sure they are not ignored.
I am also certain that that they
will support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is
conflict and inspire hope where there is despair.
This initiative cannot have come
at a more appropriate time. It brings together an extraordinary collection of
people, with the skills and resources to undertake what we know is an enormous
task.
I am proud to be here at this
launch of what is known as The Global Elders. As I have said before, I am
trying to take my retirement seriously, and I will unfortunately not be able to
participate in the really exciting part of their work, analysing problems,
seeking solutions, searching out partners.
But I wish them well, and hope
they succeed in bringing light to some of the darkness that afflicts our world,
and new energy to areas where others have become weary because of the endless
conflict.
I thank you. |
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