New Elders report urges UN reform and renewed global cooperation
As world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly, The Elders warn that the multilateral system built since 1945 is no longer fit to confront global existential threats without urgent reform.
In a new policy position paper “Global cooperation in a fragmented world” published today, the Elders set out a series of recommendations to make global institutions more effective and representative, focusing on global security, public goods, solidarity, respect for international law and greater inclusion of women, youth and marginalised groups.
“Powerful governments are retreating from the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, disregarding the rule of law when it suits them, and cutting funding from international organisations”, the Elders warn. “When rules are out of date or ignored, it is time to update and strengthen them, not to give up on them.”
The architecture of the multilateral system must be reshaped to ensure fairness, effectiveness, and legitimacy. Now is the time to reinforce what works and improve what does not.
Juan Manuel Santos, Chair of The Elders, former President of Colombia and Nobel Peace Laureate:
“Our world faces a perilous set of existential threats. No single country can address climate change, nuclear weapons, pandemics or AI on its own. Cooperation is vital to ensure a sustainable future for humanity, and that means having a multilateral system that is fit for purpose and reflects the world of 2025, not 1945. As Elders we do not claim to have all the answers, but we hope our paper can stimulate debate at the upcoming UNGA High-Level Week.”
Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Administrator of the UN Development Programme (UNDP):
“Reforming the multilateral system demands both idealism and practical proposals for action. From redesigning the UN architecture to addressing global common goods to embedding gender equality at every level in the system, we need an ambitious agenda to drive progress. The Elders believe there is no time to lose.”
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About The Elders
The Elders are independent global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007.
The Elders are Gro Harlem Brundtland, Helen Clark, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, Hina Jilani, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Graça Machel (Deputy Chair), Denis Mukwege, Mary Robinson, Juan Manuel Santos (Chair) and Ernesto Zedillo.
Ban Ki-moon, Lakhdar Brahimi, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Ricardo Lagos and Muhammad Yunus are Elders Emeritus.
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) and Kofi Annan (1938-2018) were founding members of The Elders and served as Chairs from 2007 to 2013 and 2013 to 2018 respectively. Ela Bhatt (1933-2022) and Martti Ahtisaari (1937-2023) were members of The Elders from 2007 to 2016 and 2009 to 2018 respectively. Jimmy Carter (1924-2024) was also a founding member of The Elders.
15/09/2025
