The Elders are independent global leaders working together for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet. The group was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007. The Elders are Ban Ki-moon (Deputy Chair), Gro Harlem Brundtland, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, Hina Jilani, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Ricardo Lagos, Graça Machel (Deputy Chair), Juan Manuel Santos, Mary Robinson (Chair) and Ernesto Zedillo. Martti Ahtisaari, Lakhdar Brahimi, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, and Jimmy Carter 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) was a founding member of The Elders until 2016.