We must look inward to find resilience, to persist and to thrive.
Pat Mitchell
This week on July 18th, the world celebrated Mandela Day, in recognition of the former South African president’s leadership in conflict resolution, race relations, protection of human rights, peace and reconciliation, gender equality, the rights of children, the fight to end poverty and the promotion of social justice.
Nelson Mandela founded The Elders in 2007 to bring independent global leaders together to continue the work for peace, justice and human rights. His mandate to the leaders he assembled in that first group of Elders was to “support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair."
His spirit of hope is still needed now, more than ever.
Over the past year, The Elders have been exploring the "State of Hope" through a series of digital talks. On Monday of this week, Elders Chair Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland, delivered the annual "State of Hope" address in honor of Mandela Day. In it, she explored the legacy of Mandela and the dearly-missed Archbishop Desmond Tutu ("Arch" to those who knew and loved him), who died in 2021.
I want to share some of Mary’s speech with you because I found it inspiring and a helpful reminder that we must look inward to be the force for hope and change.
I hope that in sharing this inspiring message and the reminder of Nelson Mandela’s legacy of hope and courage that you will hold your torch for freedom, peace and social justice everywhere higher than ever.