Karim Lebhour

Comms Director @TheElders | Ex @CrisisGroup. Recovering journo in MidEast, Africa & U.S. Graphic novel author. Non récupérable.

[Karim Lebhour @KaLebhour]

Bit of personal news.

I have joined @TheElders as Director of Communications.

I'm thrilled to work with so many humbling individuals, like our new Chair @JuanManSantos, and continue Nelson Mandela's legacy of promoting voices of reason.

https://t.co/Ywtl1cGEU8

[The Elders @TheElders]

We are profoundly grateful to @itspetergabriel for dedicating his powerful new song "Won’t Stand Down" to The Elders.

Peter played a key role bringing The Elders together in 2007 and has once again given voice to the values that shaped our beginnings: justice, compassion, and moral clarity.

This song is a reminder that change is only possible when people stand together and refuse to give up hope.

@JuanManSantos
@HelenClarkNZ
@G_MachelTrust

[The Elders @TheElders]

🌍🏆 Imagine what the World Cup would look like without rules and referees.

The same is true in world affairs.

That's why we need international law.

[Karim Lebhour @KaLebhour]

@Parigi221 @CapItLikeItsHot Calling people names says more about you than it does about anyone else. Empty seats are a recurring issue @rolandgarros, whether PSG is playing or not. Plenty of tennis fans would have gladly taken those seats.

[Karim Lebhour @KaLebhour]

Completely empty stadium on a Saturday night for Tiafoe vs Faria 🎾.

What a shame @rolandgarros!

[The Elders @TheElders]

"We are missing out by not having more young people in positions of leadership and decision-making today."

The Elders left deeply inspired after meeting with young people from Kenya for an honest and energising conversation on climate, conflict, human rights, gender equality, and the impact of AI, at the invitation of the Irish embassy in Kenya (@IrlEmbKenya).

Their ideas were bold, practical, and deeply grounded in the realities facing their communities. Young participants also heard from Elders about their experience building movements and pushing for change across generations.

Real progress happens when wisdom and fresh thinking meet. This conversation proved exactly that.

@JuanManSantos
@G_MachelTrust
@MaEllenSirleaf
@DenisMukwege
@HelenClarkNZ

[The Elders @TheElders]

"Africa should step into the dangerous leadership void created by [global superpowers'] sustained disregard for international law."

Ahead of the #AfricaForward Summit in Nairobi next week, read Graça Machel's op-ed in @thecontinent_ on protecting the rule of law.

[The Elders @TheElders]

The Elders work for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.

Last year, from Egypt to Japan, Morocco to Brazil, they sought to learn from history to pave the way towards a better future.

Download the 2025 Annual Review below 🔗

[The Elders @TheElders]

✉️ NEWSLETTER | International law cannot be “à la carte”

In our latest newsletter, Graça Machel discusses the U.S. and Israel’s military strikes in Iran and argues that a world in which powerful states set their own rules is a threat to everyone.

https://t.co/lEJ7iAiz0z

[The Elders @TheElders]

The New START treaty, the last guardrail limiting US and Russian nuclear weapons is about to expire.

Presidents Trump and Putin must agree an extension to prevent a new nuclear arms race.

@HelenClarkNZ narrates this short explainer.

[The Elders @TheElders]

“This trend of not respecting the rule of law is a preamble for chaos.”

@JuanManSantos responds to the US intervention in Venezuela to capture Nicolás Maduro. Via @amanpour on @CNN.

Watch the interview in full ⬇️

[The Elders @TheElders]

Our shared humanity is stronger than anything that divides us.

As Nelson Mandela showed us, compassion builds bridges where anger & division builds walls.

[Karim Lebhour @KaLebhour]

Privileged to have been part of this visit.

[The Elders @TheElders]

Ban Ki-moon, @JuanManSantos & Ernesto Zedillo visited New York 15–17 Dec urging bold UN reforms.

At the Security Council, and with the Secretary-General and key diplomats, Elders called on the UN to reassert leadership in conflict resolution, incl. Israel-Palestine and Ukraine.

[The Elders @TheElders]

🧨A House of Dynamite has ignited urgent conversations about the logic of nuclear deterrence.

The film's nightmare scenario may be fiction but the risks it explores are dangerously real. Here we tackle some of the key questions you may have if you've seen it.

[Karim Lebhour @KaLebhour]

Perfect choice! Philippe is exactly the steady and clear-headed leader needed to take forward the defense of human rights in these challenging times. 👏

[Human Rights Watch @hrw]

Human Rights Watch is honored to announce Philippe Bolopion as its new Executive Director. Philippe is a 13-year HRW veteran and former journalist who has advocated on atrocities globally.

We are proud to have his expertise guiding us as HRW rises to meet the challenges ahead.

[Karim Lebhour @KaLebhour]

Watching A House of Dynamite was a powerful reminder of how quickly events can spiral.

There have been quite a few close calls in the past, like this one under President Carter. I’m not convinced today’s leaders would respond with the same level of restraint.

[The Elders @TheElders]

A House of Dynamite starts with a nuclear missile heading for the US.

In 1979, the White House got a 3am call: Soviet missiles incoming. A false alarm.

Today, thousands of nuclear warheads remain on high-alert status, ready to launch in minutes.

One mistake is all it takes.

[Karim Lebhour @KaLebhour]

Interesting climate tidbit in @nytimes this morning as #COP30 is underway:

"China is now making more money from exporting green technology than the U.S. makes from exporting fossil fuels, according to a recent analysis by The Economist."

https://t.co/1HRi4nPzZW

[The Elders @TheElders]

ELDERS’ STATEMENT | US deal must stop Gaza genocide, end occupation and build a just two-state solution

The ceasefire is a welcome step - but it must be built upon. The Elders set out what’s needed next to achieve a just and lasting peace ⬇️

https://t.co/al3rCbG3nI

[The Elders @TheElders]

Nelson Mandela’s statue at the UN reminds us that true leadership is courage in action.

"Do not look away, do not hesitate. The world is hungry for action, not words. Act with courage and vision."

His vision still inspires us today. #UNGA80

[Karim Lebhour @KaLebhour]

#UNGA cannot be complete without a selfie with @RichardGowan1 ✅

[Richard Gowan @RichardGowan1]

One good thing (the only good thing?) about #UNGA is seeing old friends. Nice to run into @KaLebhour, who defected from @CrisisGroup to @TheElders, on 1st Ave.

[The Elders @TheElders]

“Multilateralism must be reformed, not abandoned.”

As world leaders prepare to meet in New York for #UNGA, The Elders warn the multilateral system is failing humanity’s biggest tests: conflicts, climate, nuclear weapons, pandemics and AI.