Nelson Mandela is marking his 89th birthday by launching the Global Elders, a group of wise man and women who will address global problems by offering expertise and guidance to reduce conflict and despair.
The group is to speak freely and boldly. The first rule could be: No spin doctors allowed.
The Global Elders will gets its strength not from military, political or economic power, but from the independence and integrity of the individuals on board.
The Global Elders will fill a void, considering that on the global front, we're living in leaderless times. This reality suggests perhaps we'd be better served if we turned to our elders for guidance.
Talk about a who's who roundup - Besides the former president of South Africa, the first slate of Golden Elders are made up Desmond Tutu, the Anglican Archbishop, Jimmy Carter, former president of the United States, Mary Robinson, former Irish president, Kofi Annan, the former secretary-general of the United Nations and Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate economist and founder of the Green Bank in Bangladesh. Also invited to join are Li Zhaoxing, the former foreign minister of China, Ela Bhatt, the Indian activist and Gro Harlen Bruntland, former prime minister of Norway and director of the World Health Organization.
What kind of a world would we have if all major government recommendations, including military moves, had to be scrutinized and approved by the Global Elders.
Mandela brings two precious gifts to the table - he can foster agreement where there is conflict and he can inspire hope where there is despair.
It has been a long long time since either Canada or the United States had a leader in the same league as Mandela. It's hard to imagine George Bush or Stephen Harper breaking from the pack long enough to accomplish one single thing that would make the world a better place.
Mandela comes to the world stage with heart, courage and calm. Along with his Global Elders counterparts, he'll continue to offer hope to all.
Something to think about
Joan: You may not be near the age of 89 but when the time comes, I think you too could join the board of Global Elders given your straight talk and common sense approach, but then again you may have enough business to keep you busy closer to home !
Lord knows that there is a lot of fixing to do and we all have to pull our weight.
Posted by: Richard Johnson | July 26, 2007 at 02:54 PM