RCN news
October 31, 2024
10:05 p. m.
Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia and winner of the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize, was elected as the new president of The Eldersan international organization dedicated to conflict resolution.
“The Elders are pleased to announce that Juan Manuel Santos, former president of Colombia and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, is the new President of the organization,” the organization said on its website.
With this, The former head of state of Colombia replaces Mary Robinson, the former president of Ireland and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, who has been in the post since 2018.
What has Juan Manuel Santos done within The Elders?
Santos joined the organization in 2019, three years after receiving the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize for reaching the Peace Agreement with the FARC in 2014.
Since becoming part of this transnational group, The former president of Colombia has developed different roles in the organization, for example, he was the spokesperson for The Elders before the United Nations assembly.
In addition, he was a representative of the group during a visit to Ukraine in August 2022 with Ban Ki-moon – former Secretary General of the United Nations – to meet President Zelenskyy and the victims of the conflict.
Regarding his assignment as president of The Elders Santos said it was an honor. This is what he said:
It is a great privilege and honor to be President of The Elders. Almost thirty years ago I met Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg and we had a long conversation about the importance of peace for our two countries. I remember very well that he ended our conversation by saying “without peace, Colombia will not take off.” His words inspired me to begin creating the conditions necessary to seek peace in my country, and they still inspire me today in my work to end conflicts around the world. I think the Elders can play a vital role in the very complex world. Filling Mary Robinson’s position will not be easy. I hope to follow your example with the help of my fellow Elders.
What is The Elders?
The Elders is a non-governmental organisation Founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007, it brings together leaders from different countries around the world who want to work towards conflict resolution.
“Our vision is a world where people live in peace, aware of their common humanity and their shared responsibilities towards each other, the planet and future generations; where human rights are universally respected; where poverty has been eradicated and people are free from fear and oppression and are able to reach their true potential,” says the organization.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and a Global Conflict Resolution Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We have some exciting news in the field of peacebuilding. Juan Manuel Santos, the former president of Colombia and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been elected as the new President of The Elders. Can you share your thoughts on what this means for the organization and global conflict resolution?
Expert: Absolutely, it’s a significant development! Juan Manuel Santos brings a wealth of experience in peace negotiations, having successfully brokered peace with the FARC in Colombia. His election symbolizes a renewed commitment to addressing global conflicts through dialogue and understanding.
Time.news Editor: Santos has been involved with The Elders since 2019. In what ways do you think his previous experience there has prepared him for this new role?
Expert: His role since 2019 has been pivotal. He not only represented The Elders at important international forums, including the United Nations, but also worked on raising awareness about pressing global issues. This experience gives him a unique perspective on diplomacy and multilateral discussions, which will be crucial in his presidency.
Time.news Editor: He replaces Mary Robinson, a formidable figure in her own right. How do you see Santos building on her legacy?
Expert: Mary Robinson has been a powerful advocate for human rights and climate justice. Santos will likely focus on maintaining those commitments while also leveraging his unique background in peace negotiations. I expect him to expand The Elders’ focus on conflict resolution, drawing from his experience in Colombia and his relationships within the international community.
Time.news Editor: The Elders have a mission to promote peace, justice, and human rights. How do you envision Santos advancing these objectives, particularly in a world that seems increasingly divided?
Expert: One of his strengths is his ability to connect with diverse stakeholders—from local communities to global leaders. Santos’ emphasis on dialogue will be essential in promoting understanding among polarized groups. He may push for more grassroots involvement in peace initiatives, ensuring that voices from conflict-affected areas are heard and prioritized.
Time.news Editor: Santos has already demonstrated his commitment to addressing conflict through humanitarian efforts, as seen during his visit to Ukraine. How might such actions influence his presidency at The Elders?
Expert: His engagement in Ukraine exemplifies a hands-on approach to crisis situations. It also highlights The Elders’ role in proactively addressing conflicts rather than being reactive. I anticipate that Santos will continue to prioritize urgent humanitarian issues, mobilizing The Elders’ influence to advocate for peaceful resolutions and support for affected populations.
Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what challenges do you think Santos might face in his new role, and how can he overcome them?
Expert: One major challenge will be navigating the geopolitical landscape, which is complex and often fraught with tension. To overcome this, Santos will need to cultivate strong alliances and foster dialogue across divides. Engaging with younger leaders and grassroots movements will also be critical in mobilizing support for peace initiatives.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights! With Juan Manuel Santos at the helm, there’s hope for renewed efforts in conflict resolution. We appreciate your expertise in shedding light on the implications of this new leadership at The Elders.
Expert: My pleasure, and let’s hope that this leadership brings about meaningful change and fosters a culture of peace globally.