Writers Johan Fasting, Silje Storstein, and Kristin Grue are the recipients of the 2024 Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize for their political drama Power Play (Makta).
The trio were awarded the prize Tuesday evening during a ceremony on the first day of the Göteborg Film Festival’s series focused sidebar TV Drama Vision.
As part of the award, they will share a Nok 200 000 (approx € 20 000) award, funded by the Nordisk Film & TV fund. This is the eighth year Göteborg has been the home of the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize. This year’s jury included Vinca Wiedemann, editor, producer, and screenwriter (Denmark); Joel Spira, actor, (Sweden); Kateryna Vyshnevska, producer (Ukraine); and Charlotte Winberg, journalist and critic (Finland).
Announcing this evening’s win, the jury said: “Choosing a winner from a diverse array of such high-quality drama has been both a privilege and a pleasure for us, the jury. The nominees have...
The trio were awarded the prize Tuesday evening during a ceremony on the first day of the Göteborg Film Festival’s series focused sidebar TV Drama Vision.
As part of the award, they will share a Nok 200 000 (approx € 20 000) award, funded by the Nordisk Film & TV fund. This is the eighth year Göteborg has been the home of the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize. This year’s jury included Vinca Wiedemann, editor, producer, and screenwriter (Denmark); Joel Spira, actor, (Sweden); Kateryna Vyshnevska, producer (Ukraine); and Charlotte Winberg, journalist and critic (Finland).
Announcing this evening’s win, the jury said: “Choosing a winner from a diverse array of such high-quality drama has been both a privilege and a pleasure for us, the jury. The nominees have...
- 1/30/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
“Power Play” – a scathing, scabrous chronicle of Gro Harlem Brundtland unlikely climb to power as Norway and Scandinavia’s first woman prime minister – won the 2024 Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize for best drama series screenwriting at Sweden’s Göteborg Film Festival Tuesday night.
Awarded at the fest’s TV Drama Vision, the prize went to the satirical series’ main writers Johan Fasting, Silje Storstein and Kristin Grue. The Nordic drama series screenwriting award carries a cash prize of €20,000.
With the Nftfp win, “Power Play,” like “Blackport” before it, completes a double of winning a top TV fest in Europe – it walked off with best series at Canneseries last year – and then the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize.
While Nordic Noir exposed human evil festering below Scandinavia’s acclaimed social democracy, “Power Play” underscores a more recent TV phenomenon of exposing the myth to that model and its decline via comedy and farce.
Awarded at the fest’s TV Drama Vision, the prize went to the satirical series’ main writers Johan Fasting, Silje Storstein and Kristin Grue. The Nordic drama series screenwriting award carries a cash prize of €20,000.
With the Nftfp win, “Power Play,” like “Blackport” before it, completes a double of winning a top TV fest in Europe – it walked off with best series at Canneseries last year – and then the Nordisk Film & TV Fond Prize.
While Nordic Noir exposed human evil festering below Scandinavia’s acclaimed social democracy, “Power Play” underscores a more recent TV phenomenon of exposing the myth to that model and its decline via comedy and farce.
- 1/30/2024
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
In a new statement, The Elders – including Mary Robinson, Ban Ki-moon, Graça Machel, and Gro Harlem Brundtland – are calling on Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice:
“The Elders call for Israel to comply immediately with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (Icj) to protect Palestinians in Gaza from acts of genocide.
“The Elders also call for Israel’s allies to publicly affirm their respect for the Court’s ruling, and to use the political, military and financial leverage at their disposal to ensure Israel’s compliance with the provisional measures.
“The Icj’s legally binding decision is a moment of the utmost gravity.
Israeli forces have killed over 25,000 Palestinians in Gaza, destroyed homes and infrastructure across the territory and displaced up to 1.9 million people. The Elders share the Court’s judgement that this scale of devastation risks causing irreparable harm to the people of Gaza.
“The Elders call for Israel to comply immediately with the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (Icj) to protect Palestinians in Gaza from acts of genocide.
“The Elders also call for Israel’s allies to publicly affirm their respect for the Court’s ruling, and to use the political, military and financial leverage at their disposal to ensure Israel’s compliance with the provisional measures.
“The Icj’s legally binding decision is a moment of the utmost gravity.
Israeli forces have killed over 25,000 Palestinians in Gaza, destroyed homes and infrastructure across the territory and displaced up to 1.9 million people. The Elders share the Court’s judgement that this scale of devastation risks causing irreparable harm to the people of Gaza.
- 1/30/2024
- Look to the Stars
The following is a statement from The Elders, a group of independent global leaders working for peace, justice and human rights, founded by Nelson Mandela and chaired by Mary Robinson:
“The Elders condemn the horrendous terror attacks launched by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the killing of innocent civilians, the holding of hostages and the continued indiscriminate missile attacks on Israel. These are mass atrocities for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice, preferably in a court of law.
“We also condemn the Israeli government’s unacceptable collective punishment of the population of Gaza through siege, the scale of the military assault and its death toll, and the forcible transfer of civilians within the territory, as well as the continuing land and home incursions and demolitions in the West Bank and settler violence against Palestinian communities. These are not legitimate acts of self-defence: they are clear violations of international humanitarian law,...
“The Elders condemn the horrendous terror attacks launched by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the killing of innocent civilians, the holding of hostages and the continued indiscriminate missile attacks on Israel. These are mass atrocities for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice, preferably in a court of law.
“We also condemn the Israeli government’s unacceptable collective punishment of the population of Gaza through siege, the scale of the military assault and its death toll, and the forcible transfer of civilians within the territory, as well as the continuing land and home incursions and demolitions in the West Bank and settler violence against Palestinian communities. These are not legitimate acts of self-defence: they are clear violations of international humanitarian law,...
- 10/26/2023
- Look to the Stars
As earning significant profile for shows in a packed marketplace has become one of Europe’s most pressing industry concerns, a new and ambitious TV series festival is launching in Cadiz, southern Spain, as an initiative of Mediaset España and backed by shows from other key players on the Spanish TV scene, such as The Mediapro Studio and Movistar Plus+.
Speakers from the Spanish-speaking world take in writer-director-producer Armando Bo (“El Presidente”), an Oscar winning scribe for “Birdman, or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance,” and Daniel Écija, an executive producer on key hits in the last decade in Spain such as the multi-genre free-to-air series “Estoy Vivo,” and “Locked Up” “(Vis a vis,” a key into its lift-off into premium drama selling worldwide.
Some titles screening at Cadiz are already celebrated, such as Russell T. Davies’ “Nolly,” starring Helena Bonham-Carter.
Also in the Coming Next section is Norwegian political satire “Power Play,...
Speakers from the Spanish-speaking world take in writer-director-producer Armando Bo (“El Presidente”), an Oscar winning scribe for “Birdman, or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance,” and Daniel Écija, an executive producer on key hits in the last decade in Spain such as the multi-genre free-to-air series “Estoy Vivo,” and “Locked Up” “(Vis a vis,” a key into its lift-off into premium drama selling worldwide.
Some titles screening at Cadiz are already celebrated, such as Russell T. Davies’ “Nolly,” starring Helena Bonham-Carter.
Also in the Coming Next section is Norwegian political satire “Power Play,...
- 10/6/2023
- by Pablo Sandoval
- Variety Film + TV
Power Play, a 1970s-set comedy that plays with the conventions of period TV, docudrama and political satire, has won the top prize for best series at this year’s Canneseries television festival.
The series stars Kathrine Thorborg Johansen as Gro Harlem Brundtland, a young doctor and women’s choice activist in the 1970s who, through a series of accidents, stumbles into politics and, while the government around her implodes, learns to play the power game, rising the ranks to become Norway’s first female prime minister. The project, which plays like a comedic version of Danish political series Borgen, also took the best music honor at Canneseries for Kåre Christoffer Vestrheim, Andrea Louise Horstad, Kristoffer Lo and Eivind Helgerød.
Created by showrunner Johan Fasting and directed by Yngvild Sve Flikke, the series was produced by Motlys and Fremantle label Novemberfilm for Nrk / Ndr in Norway. Power Play is being sold worldwide by REinvent International Sales.
The series stars Kathrine Thorborg Johansen as Gro Harlem Brundtland, a young doctor and women’s choice activist in the 1970s who, through a series of accidents, stumbles into politics and, while the government around her implodes, learns to play the power game, rising the ranks to become Norway’s first female prime minister. The project, which plays like a comedic version of Danish political series Borgen, also took the best music honor at Canneseries for Kåre Christoffer Vestrheim, Andrea Louise Horstad, Kristoffer Lo and Eivind Helgerød.
Created by showrunner Johan Fasting and directed by Yngvild Sve Flikke, the series was produced by Motlys and Fremantle label Novemberfilm for Nrk / Ndr in Norway. Power Play is being sold worldwide by REinvent International Sales.
- 4/19/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bargain, Carthago, Curduroy’ among big winners.
Norwegian political satire Power Play was named best series as the sixth annual Canneseries (April 14-19) came to a close on the Riveria.
The series from Norway’s Nrk was the last of the 10-strong competition titles to screen at the six-day event, but triumphed with the festival’s top prize in addition to the award for best music that jury member and The Police drummer Stewart Copeland called “downright revolutionary”.
Power Play is based on the true story of the bid to become prime minster by pro-abortion ecologist politician Gro Harlem Brundtland in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Norwegian political satire Power Play was named best series as the sixth annual Canneseries (April 14-19) came to a close on the Riveria.
The series from Norway’s Nrk was the last of the 10-strong competition titles to screen at the six-day event, but triumphed with the festival’s top prize in addition to the award for best music that jury member and The Police drummer Stewart Copeland called “downright revolutionary”.
Power Play is based on the true story of the bid to become prime minster by pro-abortion ecologist politician Gro Harlem Brundtland in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
- 4/19/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Norwegian comedy series Power Play has won Best Series in the Canneseries International Competition.
The series — originally called Makta and written by Silje Storstein, Kristin Grue and Johan Fasting — is for Norwegian pubcaster Nrk and Ndr and is from Motlys and Fremantle-owned Novemberfilm. REinvent International Sales has distribution rights.
Fasting is the showrunner and Kathrine Thorborg Johansen, Jan Gunnar Røise star.
Power Play is billed as “the incredible story of Gro Harlem Brundtland, who in the late 70s works as a young doctor, fighting for self-determined abortion, when she almost by accident, stumbles into politics. As the government implodes around her, Gro learns to play her own games of power, climbing the ranks until she is the last woman standing in the ruins of Labour’s celebrated social democracy, ending up as Norway’s first female Prime Minister in 1981.”
The 12-part series also bagged Best Music with Kåre Christoffer Vestrheim,...
The series — originally called Makta and written by Silje Storstein, Kristin Grue and Johan Fasting — is for Norwegian pubcaster Nrk and Ndr and is from Motlys and Fremantle-owned Novemberfilm. REinvent International Sales has distribution rights.
Fasting is the showrunner and Kathrine Thorborg Johansen, Jan Gunnar Røise star.
Power Play is billed as “the incredible story of Gro Harlem Brundtland, who in the late 70s works as a young doctor, fighting for self-determined abortion, when she almost by accident, stumbles into politics. As the government implodes around her, Gro learns to play her own games of power, climbing the ranks until she is the last woman standing in the ruins of Labour’s celebrated social democracy, ending up as Norway’s first female Prime Minister in 1981.”
The 12-part series also bagged Best Music with Kåre Christoffer Vestrheim,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Norwegian political satire “Power Play” proved unbeatable at Canneseries, just like its headstrong protagonist, picking up awards for best series and music.
The show, focusing on Norway’s first female Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland, and starting out in the 1970s, turned out to be a timely proposition, as noted by showrunner Johan Fasting, who co-wrote with Silje Storstein and Kristin Grue.
“It’s hard to persevere in politics, especially for women. We wanted to go behind the scenes of social democracy as well, see how it has dissolved and turned into what we have today. It felt like the right time to look at the mechanisms of power,” he told Variety earlier this week.
While the show delves into local politics, its youthful “punk” attitude and humor, which already drew early comparisons to the works of Armando Iannucci, seems to have paid off, seducing jurors Lior Raz, Zabou Breitman,...
The show, focusing on Norway’s first female Prime Minister, Gro Harlem Brundtland, and starting out in the 1970s, turned out to be a timely proposition, as noted by showrunner Johan Fasting, who co-wrote with Silje Storstein and Kristin Grue.
“It’s hard to persevere in politics, especially for women. We wanted to go behind the scenes of social democracy as well, see how it has dissolved and turned into what we have today. It felt like the right time to look at the mechanisms of power,” he told Variety earlier this week.
While the show delves into local politics, its youthful “punk” attitude and humor, which already drew early comparisons to the works of Armando Iannucci, seems to have paid off, seducing jurors Lior Raz, Zabou Breitman,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Gro Harlem Brundtland started out as a doctor. Climbing the ranks, she became Norway’s first female Prime Minister. Now, new show “Power Play” takes a closer look at her way to the top.
“She is aware that we made it,” says showrunner Johan Fasting, who co-wrote with Silje Storstein and Kristin Grue. Currently in her eighties, Brundtland wasn’t involved in developing the series, however.
“This story needed to be told, now. It wouldn’t make sense to wait just to be courteous.”
Playing in main competition at his year’s Canneseries, which runs April 14-19, “Power Play” is produced by Motlys and Novemberfilm, with REinvent International Sales handling international distribution.
Brundtland served three terms as Pm; she was also the director-general of the World Health Organization. Although she entered politics back in the 1970s, things are still rocky for high-profile female politicians. Recently, Jacinda Ardern resigned as Pm of New Zealand,...
“She is aware that we made it,” says showrunner Johan Fasting, who co-wrote with Silje Storstein and Kristin Grue. Currently in her eighties, Brundtland wasn’t involved in developing the series, however.
“This story needed to be told, now. It wouldn’t make sense to wait just to be courteous.”
Playing in main competition at his year’s Canneseries, which runs April 14-19, “Power Play” is produced by Motlys and Novemberfilm, with REinvent International Sales handling international distribution.
Brundtland served three terms as Pm; she was also the director-general of the World Health Organization. Although she entered politics back in the 1970s, things are still rocky for high-profile female politicians. Recently, Jacinda Ardern resigned as Pm of New Zealand,...
- 4/16/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has been given exclusive access to the trailer (below) for “Power Play,” which world premieres in the main competition section at next month’s series festival Canneseries. The fiction series is a raucous satire inspired by the real-life goings on behind the scenes when politician Gro Harlem Brundtland came to power in Norway in 1981. The power struggles and backroom bickering in the show bring to mind “Veep” and “In the Loop.”
Brundtland was the first female prime minister of any Nordic country, not just Norway, and one of Scandinavia’s leading figures in the fight for women’s rights, gender equality and abortion rights, with a standing on a par with Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Gloria Steinem in the U.S., or Simone Veil in France.
REinvent International Sales is handling world rights. The company is also selling romantic dramedy “Out of Touch,” which has been selected for the Short Form Competition at Canneseries,...
Brundtland was the first female prime minister of any Nordic country, not just Norway, and one of Scandinavia’s leading figures in the fight for women’s rights, gender equality and abortion rights, with a standing on a par with Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Gloria Steinem in the U.S., or Simone Veil in France.
REinvent International Sales is handling world rights. The company is also selling romantic dramedy “Out of Touch,” which has been selected for the Short Form Competition at Canneseries,...
- 3/31/2023
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
A record 500 delegates have signed up for Scandinavia’s leading TV drama confab, TV Drama Vision, which is set to unspool online over Feb. 3-4, parallel to Sweden’s Göteborg Film Festival.
Next to honorary guest – Danish writer-helmer Susanne Bier, 30 keynote speakers will share their insights, business and creative tips on how to boost global industry resilience at a time of unprecedented challenges under Covid-19. Walter Iuzzolino, creator of the international curated streaming service Walter Presents – jointly owned by the U.K.’s Channel Four – will open discussions, in conversation with media analyst Johanna Koljonen, author of Göteborg’s annual Nostradamus Report.
Ampere Analysis exec director Guy Bisson returns to Goteborg for a second year running will analyze a series of TV trends to watch out for in 2021 – which he describes as turning on “compounding.” Festival and market executives Frédéric Pittoors d’Haveskercke (Series Mania), Dennis Ruh (European Film Market...
Next to honorary guest – Danish writer-helmer Susanne Bier, 30 keynote speakers will share their insights, business and creative tips on how to boost global industry resilience at a time of unprecedented challenges under Covid-19. Walter Iuzzolino, creator of the international curated streaming service Walter Presents – jointly owned by the U.K.’s Channel Four – will open discussions, in conversation with media analyst Johanna Koljonen, author of Göteborg’s annual Nostradamus Report.
Ampere Analysis exec director Guy Bisson returns to Goteborg for a second year running will analyze a series of TV trends to watch out for in 2021 – which he describes as turning on “compounding.” Festival and market executives Frédéric Pittoors d’Haveskercke (Series Mania), Dennis Ruh (European Film Market...
- 1/29/2021
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
The Elders explore hope, leadership and the Covid-19 recovery in a new series of the Finding Humanity podcast.
As the new US President Joe Biden calls for unity in tackling the cascading crises of our era, The Elders embark on a new podcast series looking at the leadership needed to meet the challenges ahead.
Hosted by Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, and Hazami Barmada, human rights advocate and founder of the Humanity Lab Foundation, the Finding Humanity podcast will consider how we can address today’s most pressing global issues:
“Our global civilisation faces profound challenges and only an honest reckoning with the complexities and ambiguities of our past can enable us to meet the challenges of the present and future,” said Mary Robinson.
“Covid-19 has revealed fundamental truths about what it is to be human and to share our lives with others. From pandemics to climate change and...
As the new US President Joe Biden calls for unity in tackling the cascading crises of our era, The Elders embark on a new podcast series looking at the leadership needed to meet the challenges ahead.
Hosted by Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, and Hazami Barmada, human rights advocate and founder of the Humanity Lab Foundation, the Finding Humanity podcast will consider how we can address today’s most pressing global issues:
“Our global civilisation faces profound challenges and only an honest reckoning with the complexities and ambiguities of our past can enable us to meet the challenges of the present and future,” said Mary Robinson.
“Covid-19 has revealed fundamental truths about what it is to be human and to share our lives with others. From pandemics to climate change and...
- 1/25/2021
- Look to the Stars
The Elders this week launched a new report, “Building Back Better for Universal Health”, setting out three key pillars to inform the leadership needed from governments and policymakers in response to the Covid-19 pandemic at a national and global level:
Prepare public health systems for future pandemics Prioritise Universal Health Coverage at a national and global level Promote healthier societies via holistic polices and social development
Launched ahead of Universal Health Coverage (Uhc) Day on 12 December, the wide-ranging report sets out specific recommendations based on lessons learned thus far from the pandemic, and the wider progress made towards Uhc as part of countries’ commitments under the Un Sustainable Development Goals.
The report highlights the significant changes that are needed to prepare health systems and societies against future pandemics. The Elders caution that the world cannot lose sight of the fragility and vulnerability of our collective health, despite the welcome news of Covid-19 vaccines becoming available.
Prepare public health systems for future pandemics Prioritise Universal Health Coverage at a national and global level Promote healthier societies via holistic polices and social development
Launched ahead of Universal Health Coverage (Uhc) Day on 12 December, the wide-ranging report sets out specific recommendations based on lessons learned thus far from the pandemic, and the wider progress made towards Uhc as part of countries’ commitments under the Un Sustainable Development Goals.
The report highlights the significant changes that are needed to prepare health systems and societies against future pandemics. The Elders caution that the world cannot lose sight of the fragility and vulnerability of our collective health, despite the welcome news of Covid-19 vaccines becoming available.
- 12/16/2020
- Look to the Stars
The Elders have urged leaders to put multilateralism, solidarity and human rights at the heart of their response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to prioritise the health and economic needs of poorer countries in the Global South in the coming weeks and months.
Preventing the emergence and spread of infectious disease is the pre-eminent example of a “global public good”, and merits unprecedented international cooperation by governments and policymakers. In a pandemic, no-one is safe until everyone is safe.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former Un High Commissioner for Human Rights, said:
“This terrible pandemic is a test of our common humanity. We can see how it is exacerbating existing profound socio-economic, racial and gender inequalities, both within and between countries. Only a coordinated multilateral response can deliver testing and a vaccine at scale, and only a renewed commitment to the values and institutions of the Un can...
Preventing the emergence and spread of infectious disease is the pre-eminent example of a “global public good”, and merits unprecedented international cooperation by governments and policymakers. In a pandemic, no-one is safe until everyone is safe.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former Un High Commissioner for Human Rights, said:
“This terrible pandemic is a test of our common humanity. We can see how it is exacerbating existing profound socio-economic, racial and gender inequalities, both within and between countries. Only a coordinated multilateral response can deliver testing and a vaccine at scale, and only a renewed commitment to the values and institutions of the Un can...
- 5/27/2020
- Look to the Stars
The Elders today called on global leaders and citizens alike to root their response to the Covid-19 pandemic in humanitarian principles and solidarity to save lives, defend rights and protect the most vulnerable groups in society.
The following is a statement from The Elders:
The pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge for governments, heads of state and international institutions. As former leaders, we acknowledge the fearsomely complex political, moral and economic decisions those currently in office will have to take over the coming weeks and months.
We endorse the call of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board for at least Us$ 8 billion to be immediately injected into critical funding gaps to support the Who’s emergency response, vaccine development, timely distribution of medical supplies and other critical measures.
The G7 statement of 16 March 2020 marks a welcome first step, with leaders pledging to do “whatever is necessary to ensure a strong global response...
The following is a statement from The Elders:
The pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge for governments, heads of state and international institutions. As former leaders, we acknowledge the fearsomely complex political, moral and economic decisions those currently in office will have to take over the coming weeks and months.
We endorse the call of the Global Preparedness Monitoring Board for at least Us$ 8 billion to be immediately injected into critical funding gaps to support the Who’s emergency response, vaccine development, timely distribution of medical supplies and other critical measures.
The G7 statement of 16 March 2020 marks a welcome first step, with leaders pledging to do “whatever is necessary to ensure a strong global response...
- 3/20/2020
- Look to the Stars
The Elders today called upon leaders from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad) regional bloc to urgently convene talks with the leaders of South Sudan to advance peace negotiations after a series of delays and setbacks.
The need for action is particularly acute ahead of the February 2020 deadline for a new unity government including rival leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar.
Igad’s internal divisions over the past year have been a major obstacle to the high level engagement that is needed to address the political crisis in South Sudan. The Elders welcomed the fact that Igad has reached agreement on a new Chair, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok of Sudan. They urged the Igad heads of state to convene again as soon as is practically possible to keep up the momentum, and to bring together the leaders of South Sudan to steer them towards a political solution.
Graça Machel, Deputy...
The need for action is particularly acute ahead of the February 2020 deadline for a new unity government including rival leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar.
Igad’s internal divisions over the past year have been a major obstacle to the high level engagement that is needed to address the political crisis in South Sudan. The Elders welcomed the fact that Igad has reached agreement on a new Chair, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok of Sudan. They urged the Igad heads of state to convene again as soon as is practically possible to keep up the momentum, and to bring together the leaders of South Sudan to steer them towards a political solution.
Graça Machel, Deputy...
- 12/19/2019
- Look to the Stars
As the Un Climate Summit concluded, The Elders appealed to world leaders to act on the outrage of millions of strikers around the world and upscale commitments to end fossil fuel use.
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, said:
“This is a fight for our lives and, currently, we are losing. World leaders must act on the legitimate outrage of millions of climate strikers and drastically upscale commitments to end fossil fuel use.
We have seen encouraging announcements on carbon reduction from several countries at the Un Climate Summit, including impressive commitments from Denmark, Finland and Slovakia. We have also heard from businesses, investors, and both regional and city authorities taking bold action. But what we really need now is action from the G20.
“The world’s major economies must heed the call of young people about the intergenerational injustice of climate change: unite behind the science, seize the solutions that are at hand,...
Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders, said:
“This is a fight for our lives and, currently, we are losing. World leaders must act on the legitimate outrage of millions of climate strikers and drastically upscale commitments to end fossil fuel use.
We have seen encouraging announcements on carbon reduction from several countries at the Un Climate Summit, including impressive commitments from Denmark, Finland and Slovakia. We have also heard from businesses, investors, and both regional and city authorities taking bold action. But what we really need now is action from the G20.
“The world’s major economies must heed the call of young people about the intergenerational injustice of climate change: unite behind the science, seize the solutions that are at hand,...
- 9/26/2019
- Look to the Stars
The Elders have expressed their support for the National Health Insurance (Nhi) reforms proposed by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, and urged all stakeholders to act with ambition and urgency to improve publicly-funded healthcare and build social solidarity.
Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders, Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile, met President Ramaphosa in Cape Town to learn more about the Nhi Bill currently before Parliament. The Elders also met the Speaker of Parliament and addressed the Portfolio Committee on Health.
As part of their two-day visit to South Africa, the Elders also addressed a public event on Nhi at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg with Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, attended by patients’ groups, health professionals, business, labour and academics. They then visited the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto to...
Graça Machel, Deputy Chair of The Elders, Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization, and Ricardo Lagos, former President of Chile, met President Ramaphosa in Cape Town to learn more about the Nhi Bill currently before Parliament. The Elders also met the Speaker of Parliament and addressed the Portfolio Committee on Health.
As part of their two-day visit to South Africa, the Elders also addressed a public event on Nhi at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Johannesburg with Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, attended by patients’ groups, health professionals, business, labour and academics. They then visited the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto to...
- 9/6/2019
- Look to the Stars
The Elders warned today that the imminent termination of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (Inf) Treaty between the United States and Russia risks sparking an ever greater escalation of nuclear tensions and a breakdown of global security structures.
They noted that each side has blamed the other in a deepening cycle of recrimination. Even if the responsibilities for this breakdown of the Inf Treaty are not shared, both sides share responsibility for the future to uphold arms control treaties and pursue disarmament.
The Elders thus called on Us President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to act in the interests of all humanity rather than following short-sighted agendas, noting that the consequences of the termination of the Inf will be acutely felt in Europe and Asia and will exacerbate global tensions ahead of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (Npt) Review Conference in 2020.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Elder and former Prime Minister of Norway,...
They noted that each side has blamed the other in a deepening cycle of recrimination. Even if the responsibilities for this breakdown of the Inf Treaty are not shared, both sides share responsibility for the future to uphold arms control treaties and pursue disarmament.
The Elders thus called on Us President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to act in the interests of all humanity rather than following short-sighted agendas, noting that the consequences of the termination of the Inf will be acutely felt in Europe and Asia and will exacerbate global tensions ahead of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (Npt) Review Conference in 2020.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Elder and former Prime Minister of Norway,...
- 7/30/2019
- Look to the Stars
The Elders have called on the United Nations Security Council to take urgent action to bring an end to the blockade of Yemen and avert a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.
They particularly urged the United Kingdom, the United States and France, as the three major powers backing the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen and as Permanent Members of the Council, to prioritise saving civilian lives.
Meeting in London on the occasion of their biannual board meeting, the Elders noted the recent declaration by UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt that his country has a “special responsibility” as the “pen-holder” on Yemen at the Security Council.
This means the UK should apply immediate and concerted pressure on its regional allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to end the blockade of Yemen’s ports and land borders that has left up to 13 million Yemenis facing famine.
The Elders called on the UK,...
They particularly urged the United Kingdom, the United States and France, as the three major powers backing the Saudi-led coalition forces in Yemen and as Permanent Members of the Council, to prioritise saving civilian lives.
Meeting in London on the occasion of their biannual board meeting, the Elders noted the recent declaration by UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt that his country has a “special responsibility” as the “pen-holder” on Yemen at the Security Council.
This means the UK should apply immediate and concerted pressure on its regional allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to end the blockade of Yemen’s ports and land borders that has left up to 13 million Yemenis facing famine.
The Elders called on the UK,...
- 11/2/2018
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The Elders announced today that their new Chair will be Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mary Robinson becomes The Elders’ third Chair since the group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, following Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2007-13) and Kofi Annan (2013-2018).
Ban Ki-moon, former Un Secretary-General, and Graça Machel, former Education Minister of Mozambique and co-founder of The Elders, will serve as joint Deputy Chairs, succeeding Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, who has held the role since 2013.
Mary Robinson said:
“It is a huge honour to take up the role as Chair of The Elders at such a critical moment for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. Building on the powerful legacies of Archbishop Tutu and Kofi Annan, I am confident that our group’s voice can both be heard by leaders and amplify grassroots activists fighting for their rights.
Mary Robinson becomes The Elders’ third Chair since the group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, following Archbishop Desmond Tutu (2007-13) and Kofi Annan (2013-2018).
Ban Ki-moon, former Un Secretary-General, and Graça Machel, former Education Minister of Mozambique and co-founder of The Elders, will serve as joint Deputy Chairs, succeeding Gro Harlem Brundtland, former Prime Minister of Norway, who has held the role since 2013.
Mary Robinson said:
“It is a huge honour to take up the role as Chair of The Elders at such a critical moment for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. Building on the powerful legacies of Archbishop Tutu and Kofi Annan, I am confident that our group’s voice can both be heard by leaders and amplify grassroots activists fighting for their rights.
- 11/2/2018
- Look to the Stars
The Elders have expressed their grave concern at the unprecedented situation in Sri Lanka following President Maithripala Sirisena’s unconstitutional decision to dismiss Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and suspend Parliament.
They called on President Sirisena to immediately allow Parliament to reconvene as a first step to resolve the country’s political and constitutional crisis.
The Elders urged all the country’s political leaders to act in strict accordance with the rule of law and show respect for human rights and democratic principles, refraining from any actions that could inflame political tensions and cause more violence.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Acting Chair of The Elders, former Prime Minister of Norway, said:
“Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented constitutional crisis which must be urgently resolved by peaceful and legal means. The country has suffered so much from years of conflict and human rights abuses, and cannot afford reckless political manoeuvres. I urge President...
They called on President Sirisena to immediately allow Parliament to reconvene as a first step to resolve the country’s political and constitutional crisis.
The Elders urged all the country’s political leaders to act in strict accordance with the rule of law and show respect for human rights and democratic principles, refraining from any actions that could inflame political tensions and cause more violence.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Acting Chair of The Elders, former Prime Minister of Norway, said:
“Sri Lanka is facing an unprecedented constitutional crisis which must be urgently resolved by peaceful and legal means. The country has suffered so much from years of conflict and human rights abuses, and cannot afford reckless political manoeuvres. I urge President...
- 11/1/2018
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The Elders today urged world leaders to meet and increase their political ambition and financial commitments so radical action is taken to keep global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius, in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
They voiced alarm that the new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Ipcc) indicates this target will be missed unless immediate action is taken to curb global emissions and end all reliance on fossil fuels.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Acting Chair of The Elders and former Prime Minister of Norway, said:
“This report is not a wake-up call, it is a ticking time bomb. Climate activists have been calling for decades for leaders to show responsibility and take urgent action, but we have barely scratched the surface of what needs to be done. Further failure would be an unconscionable betrayal of the planet and future generations.”
The Elders stressed that fossil...
They voiced alarm that the new report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (Ipcc) indicates this target will be missed unless immediate action is taken to curb global emissions and end all reliance on fossil fuels.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Acting Chair of The Elders and former Prime Minister of Norway, said:
“This report is not a wake-up call, it is a ticking time bomb. Climate activists have been calling for decades for leaders to show responsibility and take urgent action, but we have barely scratched the surface of what needs to be done. Further failure would be an unconscionable betrayal of the planet and future generations.”
The Elders stressed that fossil...
- 10/10/2018
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The Elders have written to twelve key world leaders urging them to step up their efforts to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) and attend a United Nations summit in New York on the topic on 26 September.
The letters were sent to leaders of major donor countries whose support in tackling TB has been crucial to date, and also to leaders of countries where the incidence of TB is high and urgent action is required.
The Elders noted that TB is the number one infectious disease killer in the world. In 2016, there were 10.4 million cases of TB and 1.7 million deaths. However, only 61% of cases were successfully found and treated – despite the fact that TB is preventable and curable.
In their letter, the Elders called on world leaders to redouble their efforts and show real political and financial commitment by attending the first-ever Un High-Level Meeting on the disease, which will be held on...
The letters were sent to leaders of major donor countries whose support in tackling TB has been crucial to date, and also to leaders of countries where the incidence of TB is high and urgent action is required.
The Elders noted that TB is the number one infectious disease killer in the world. In 2016, there were 10.4 million cases of TB and 1.7 million deaths. However, only 61% of cases were successfully found and treated – despite the fact that TB is preventable and curable.
In their letter, the Elders called on world leaders to redouble their efforts and show real political and financial commitment by attending the first-ever Un High-Level Meeting on the disease, which will be held on...
- 9/21/2018
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The Elders strongly urge the three guarantors of the “Astana Process” – Iran, Russia and Turkey – to overcome their recent differences and work hand-in-hand to prevent heavy civilian casualties in Syria’s Idlib region. A large-scale offensive there appears imminent.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Acting Chair of The Elders and former Prime Minister of Norway, said:
“Russia, Iran and Turkey have taken it upon themselves to work together to restore peace and security to Syria. As a result, they have a heavy responsibility to act decisively at this time to prevent further deaths and injuries to civilians in Idlib. The situation could not be more urgent.”
Almost half Idlib’s estimated population of 2.9 million are people who have been displaced from other parts of the country. Among them, about a million children are most at risk. Indiscriminate aerial bombardments over the past days are already reported to have caused many casualties.
Lakhdar Brahimi,...
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Acting Chair of The Elders and former Prime Minister of Norway, said:
“Russia, Iran and Turkey have taken it upon themselves to work together to restore peace and security to Syria. As a result, they have a heavy responsibility to act decisively at this time to prevent further deaths and injuries to civilians in Idlib. The situation could not be more urgent.”
Almost half Idlib’s estimated population of 2.9 million are people who have been displaced from other parts of the country. Among them, about a million children are most at risk. Indiscriminate aerial bombardments over the past days are already reported to have caused many casualties.
Lakhdar Brahimi,...
- 9/18/2018
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The Elders concluded a visit to India by commending the country’s leaders at national and state level for a series of ambitious health reforms which have the potential to improve the health and wellbeing of hundreds of millions of people.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Acting Chair of The Elders, former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization, visited Delhi and Gujarat together with Ban Ki-moon, Elder and former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
They enjoyed constructive discussions with Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Niti Aayog Vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar and his senior officials to learn more about the Pradhan Ayushman Bharat health reforms announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will be launched on 25 September.
The Elders welcomed the ambitions of these reforms and encouraged all stakeholders to ensure they are implemented effectively, with a particular emphasis on securing 65 percent of public financing on health for primary health care services.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Acting Chair of The Elders, former Prime Minister of Norway and Director-General of the World Health Organization, visited Delhi and Gujarat together with Ban Ki-moon, Elder and former Secretary-General of the United Nations.
They enjoyed constructive discussions with Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Niti Aayog Vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar and his senior officials to learn more about the Pradhan Ayushman Bharat health reforms announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will be launched on 25 September.
The Elders welcomed the ambitions of these reforms and encouraged all stakeholders to ensure they are implemented effectively, with a particular emphasis on securing 65 percent of public financing on health for primary health care services.
- 9/11/2018
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The Elders today called on India’s leaders to increase public financing on health and show sustained political commitment to deliver Universal Health Coverage (Uhc) which would help lift tens of millions of people out of poor health and poverty.
Speaking at the launch of their new report on Uhc in India, The Elders warned that the country is currently facing a “public health crisis” which risks impeding economic growth and makes it harder to achieve the wider Sustainable Development Goals.
India currently has around 600 million people without effective health coverage, the largest number worldwide, and 63 million people are living in poverty because of health costs.
The Elders’ report contains four key recommendations to achieve Uhc, which means that everybody receives the health services they need without suffering financial hardship:
1. Increase public financing for health to 2.5% of Gdp by 2021
2. Focus on reaching full population coverage and prioritising the needs of...
Speaking at the launch of their new report on Uhc in India, The Elders warned that the country is currently facing a “public health crisis” which risks impeding economic growth and makes it harder to achieve the wider Sustainable Development Goals.
India currently has around 600 million people without effective health coverage, the largest number worldwide, and 63 million people are living in poverty because of health costs.
The Elders’ report contains four key recommendations to achieve Uhc, which means that everybody receives the health services they need without suffering financial hardship:
1. Increase public financing for health to 2.5% of Gdp by 2021
2. Focus on reaching full population coverage and prioritising the needs of...
- 9/10/2018
- Look to the Stars
The Elders are shocked and deeply saddened at the passing of their dear friend and colleague Kofi Annan, who was the globally admired and respected Chair of The Elders.
A founding member of The Elders, Kofi Annan succeeded Archbishop Desmond Tutu as Chair in May 2013. He played a vital role in leading The Elders’ work, and was a voice of great authority and wisdom in public and private, most recently on visits to South Africa and Zimbabwe in July 2018.
As the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006, he was a constant advocate for human rights, development and the rule of law. The first Secretary-General to reach the post from within an organisation he served for over 40 years, Kofi Annan had a life-long commitment to the cause of peace and was known for his staunch opposition to military aggression, notably the Us-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The great respect...
A founding member of The Elders, Kofi Annan succeeded Archbishop Desmond Tutu as Chair in May 2013. He played a vital role in leading The Elders’ work, and was a voice of great authority and wisdom in public and private, most recently on visits to South Africa and Zimbabwe in July 2018.
As the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006, he was a constant advocate for human rights, development and the rule of law. The first Secretary-General to reach the post from within an organisation he served for over 40 years, Kofi Annan had a life-long commitment to the cause of peace and was known for his staunch opposition to military aggression, notably the Us-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The great respect...
- 8/20/2018
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The Elders today condemned the decision of the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council as an alarming act of isolationism that will make it harder to defend the rights and dignity of vulnerable people worldwide.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders and former Un Secretary-General, said:
“The Human Rights Council is an integral part of the international system that helps protect fundamental rights and values. I deplore the Us withdrawal, which stands at odds with its historic traditions and sends a signal to others that they too can ignore the Council.”
The Elders were particularly concerned that the Us decision to leave the Council follows a series of similar isolationist measures by President Donald Trump, including withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Un Global Compact on Migration, and the Iran nuclear deal.
They said that the timing of the decision is particularly...
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders and former Un Secretary-General, said:
“The Human Rights Council is an integral part of the international system that helps protect fundamental rights and values. I deplore the Us withdrawal, which stands at odds with its historic traditions and sends a signal to others that they too can ignore the Council.”
The Elders were particularly concerned that the Us decision to leave the Council follows a series of similar isolationist measures by President Donald Trump, including withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Un Global Compact on Migration, and the Iran nuclear deal.
They said that the timing of the decision is particularly...
- 6/22/2018
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The Elders strongly condemned President Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran: the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or Jcpoa.
They called on the other signatories to the deal – France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, China and the European Union – to continue to do everything in their power to sustain its spirit and implementation.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, former Un Secretary-General and a Nobel Peace Laureate, said:
“The Jcpoa was a hard-won diplomatic achievement and proof of what robust negotiations on the part of all those involved can achieve. I deeply regret President Trump’s decision to withdraw, and urge all other signatories to renew their commitment to the deal and avoid a broader escalation of tensions across the Middle East.”
The Elders emphasised that after the Jcpoa came into effect in January 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency (Iaea) has...
They called on the other signatories to the deal – France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, China and the European Union – to continue to do everything in their power to sustain its spirit and implementation.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, former Un Secretary-General and a Nobel Peace Laureate, said:
“The Jcpoa was a hard-won diplomatic achievement and proof of what robust negotiations on the part of all those involved can achieve. I deeply regret President Trump’s decision to withdraw, and urge all other signatories to renew their commitment to the deal and avoid a broader escalation of tensions across the Middle East.”
The Elders emphasised that after the Jcpoa came into effect in January 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency (Iaea) has...
- 5/9/2018
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The Elders today called on the Government of Sri Lanka to act with greater urgency and thoroughness to end sectarian violence targeting Muslim communities on the island.
They noted that the Government has taken some measures to counter the criminal violence, but also warned that since unrest erupted on 5 March, police and civil authorities have failed to make sufficient arrests or counter the inflammatory messaging on social media against Muslims being propagated by extremist Buddhist monks.
To avoid further deterioration of the security environment and loss of life, The Elders urged decisive action from the Government to end impunity for those committing and inciting violence, defend human rights and promote inter-communal reconciliation.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former Prime Minister of Norway, said:
“I am deeply alarmed by the recent upsurge in sectarian violence in Sri Lanka. Anti-Muslim attacks are an increasing threat to peace and...
They noted that the Government has taken some measures to counter the criminal violence, but also warned that since unrest erupted on 5 March, police and civil authorities have failed to make sufficient arrests or counter the inflammatory messaging on social media against Muslims being propagated by extremist Buddhist monks.
To avoid further deterioration of the security environment and loss of life, The Elders urged decisive action from the Government to end impunity for those committing and inciting violence, defend human rights and promote inter-communal reconciliation.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Deputy Chair of The Elders and former Prime Minister of Norway, said:
“I am deeply alarmed by the recent upsurge in sectarian violence in Sri Lanka. Anti-Muslim attacks are an increasing threat to peace and...
- 3/20/2018
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The Elders visited Paris from 11-12 December to meet President Emmanuel Macron for a discussion on global challenges from climate change to conflicts across the Middle East, and to participate at the One Planet climate summit.
Kofi Annan, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Ban Ki-moon, Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson met President Macron at the Elysée Palace on 11 December.
They discussed climate action with the President, welcoming the French-hosted One Planet summit on 12 December as a chance to accelerate momentum and ambition in global climate policy to safeguard commitments made at the COP21 Paris summit in December 2015.
The Elders and President Macron also focused on conflicts in the Middle East, the Korean Peninsula and Myanmar; how to manage refugees and migration; and the need to reinforce the multilateral system underpinning international relations.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, said: “President Macron has shown impressive leadership on climate, building on France’s success...
Kofi Annan, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Ban Ki-moon, Lakhdar Brahimi and Mary Robinson met President Macron at the Elysée Palace on 11 December.
They discussed climate action with the President, welcoming the French-hosted One Planet summit on 12 December as a chance to accelerate momentum and ambition in global climate policy to safeguard commitments made at the COP21 Paris summit in December 2015.
The Elders and President Macron also focused on conflicts in the Middle East, the Korean Peninsula and Myanmar; how to manage refugees and migration; and the need to reinforce the multilateral system underpinning international relations.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, said: “President Macron has shown impressive leadership on climate, building on France’s success...
- 12/15/2017
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The Elders concluded a two-day visit to Indonesia with a call for the government to take bolder fiscal, political and social measures to accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage (Uhc), building on impressive achievements in recent years.
Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ernesto Zedillo meet President Joko Widowo during a visit to Indonesia
Credit/Copyright: Antara /Puspa Perwitasari
Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ernesto Zedillo visited the Indonesian capital Jakarta on 28-29 November for meetings with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Presidential Palace, accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Health Minister Nila Moeloek and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani.
They also visited the Kebon Jeruk Puskesmas (health centre) in west Jakarta, meeting patients, staff and local residents. The Elders also consulted with civil society organisations and held a briefing for local media.
Indonesia has the biggest single-payer health system in the world (covering 181 million people), and has committed to reaching full population...
Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ernesto Zedillo meet President Joko Widowo during a visit to Indonesia
Credit/Copyright: Antara /Puspa Perwitasari
Gro Harlem Brundtland and Ernesto Zedillo visited the Indonesian capital Jakarta on 28-29 November for meetings with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the Presidential Palace, accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Health Minister Nila Moeloek and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani.
They also visited the Kebon Jeruk Puskesmas (health centre) in west Jakarta, meeting patients, staff and local residents. The Elders also consulted with civil society organisations and held a briefing for local media.
Indonesia has the biggest single-payer health system in the world (covering 181 million people), and has committed to reaching full population...
- 12/6/2017
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The Elders today called on Myanmar’s government and military leaders to end all military operations in Rakhine State, and allow hundreds of thousands of displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh and other countries to return.
Following their board meeting in London, The Elders also expressed their deep concern and dismay at the wave of violence and destruction that has scarred Rakhine in recent months. Those who are responsible for these crimes must be held to account.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Deputy Chair of The Elders, said:
“The violence and displacement, persecution and killings in Rakhine State must stop. The hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes must be allowed to return and live dignified lives, and their peace and security must be assured by state security forces. Sustainable peace in Rakhine – and Myanmar – can only be achieved when there are tangible improvements to the lives of the Rakhine and Muslim communities in the state.
Following their board meeting in London, The Elders also expressed their deep concern and dismay at the wave of violence and destruction that has scarred Rakhine in recent months. Those who are responsible for these crimes must be held to account.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Deputy Chair of The Elders, said:
“The violence and displacement, persecution and killings in Rakhine State must stop. The hundreds of thousands of people who have fled their homes must be allowed to return and live dignified lives, and their peace and security must be assured by state security forces. Sustainable peace in Rakhine – and Myanmar – can only be achieved when there are tangible improvements to the lives of the Rakhine and Muslim communities in the state.
- 10/27/2017
- Look to the Stars
The Elders today urged the leaders of the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (Dprk) to address nuclear tensions in a calm, sober and respectful way, to avoid further escalation and potentially devastating military conflict.
They expressed their support for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned in his speech to the Un General Assembly in New York that “fiery talk can lead to fatal misunderstandings”. They stressed that only a strong multilateral response can succeed in resolving the issue peacefully.
The Elders also deplored the recent nuclear test and missile launches by the Dprk. These actions are a clear violation of the Dprk’s obligations not to produce or test nuclear weapons. The Elders urged the Dprk to halt its nuclear programme and pursue a peaceful settlement on the Korean peninsula.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, said: “The current situation in the Korean peninsula is deeply alarming.
They expressed their support for United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned in his speech to the Un General Assembly in New York that “fiery talk can lead to fatal misunderstandings”. They stressed that only a strong multilateral response can succeed in resolving the issue peacefully.
The Elders also deplored the recent nuclear test and missile launches by the Dprk. These actions are a clear violation of the Dprk’s obligations not to produce or test nuclear weapons. The Elders urged the Dprk to halt its nuclear programme and pursue a peaceful settlement on the Korean peninsula.
Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders, said: “The current situation in the Korean peninsula is deeply alarming.
- 9/22/2017
- Look to the Stars
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