An "extraordinary collection" of independent world leaders led by Nelson Mandela gathered in Johannesburg on Wednesday to commit themselves to tackling global problems.
"This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes on whatever actions need to be taken," Mandela said.
Mandela led the announcement of the group known as The Elders, in Johannesburg, the same day as his 89th birthday and ninth wedding anniversary to Graca Machel.
He was joined by founding members Desmond Tutu, Machel, former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan, former US president Jimmy Carter, former Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing, former Irish president Mary Robinson and philanthropist Muhammad Yunus.
Continues Below ↓
"The efforts of a small dedicated group of leaders...without any vested personal interest in the outcome can help resolve what often seems like incredible problems." said Mandela.
"It brings together an extraordinary collection of people with the skills and resources to undertake what we know is an enormous task."
Mandela was approached by British businessman Richard Branson and rock star Peter Gabriel several years ago with the idea of the group.
Mandela joked that he was "trying to take my retirement seriously" and said he would not play a major role in the group.
Mandela, who was helped to the podium by Machel and Carter, was dressed in a printed black and white shirt to which a red Aids badge was pinned. - Sapa
|
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Digg
Delicious
Newsvine
Facebook
muti
Twitter
