The concept originates from a conversation between the entrepreneur Richard Branson and the musician Peter Gabriel. The idea they discussed was simple: many communities look to their elders for guidance, or to help resolve disputes. In an increasingly interdependent world - a ‘global village’ - could a small, dedicated group of individuals use their collective experience and influence to help tackle some of the most pressing problems facing the world today?

Peter and Richard took the idea to Nelson Mandela who went on to gather together a group of global leaders to discuss the potential of such an idea. Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Mary Robinson and others led the development of the concept and, in July 2007, on Mandela’s birthday, The Elders held its inaugural meeting.