Ernesto Zedillo appointed to The Elders

Ernesto Zedillo, the Frederick Iseman ’74 Director of the Yale Center Study of Globalization, has been appointed to The Elders, an independent group of global leaders who work together for peace and human rights.

The Elders were brought together in 2007 by Nelson Mandela, who is not an active member of the group but remains an Honorary Elder. Chaired by Kofi Annan, a former Secretary General of the United Nations, the group consists of Martti Ahtisaari, Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani, Graça Machel, and Mary Robinson.

The Elders work strategically, focusing on areas where they are uniquely placed to make a difference. This can mean engaging in private advocacy, using their collective influence to open doors and gain access to decision-makers. At other times, The Elders work publicly to promote neglected issues and speak out against injustice. The group decides collectively where there is the greatest opportunity to make a real impact.

Zedillo, a former president of Mexico, said “As Elders it can be our role to acknowledge the profound global challenges we face, but also to say: Mankind can overcome them. Time and time again, acts of leadership have helped build peace and lifted millions out of poverty. We must aim to achieve stability, security, and prosperity on a global scale.”