The Elders represent a group of global leaders as an independent voice who are not bound by the interests of any nation, government or institution. They are committed to promoting the shared interests of humanity and human rights. The Elders consist of individuals who no longer hold public office; they are independent of any national government or other vested interest. They should have earned international trust, demonstrated integrity and built a reputation for inclusive, progressive leadership. The group has comprised Nelson Mandela, Martti Ahtisaari, Kofi Annan, Ban Ki-moon, Ela Bhatt, Lakhdar Brahimi, Gro Harlem Brundtland, Fernando H Cardoso, Jimmy Carter, Hina Jilani, Ricardo Lagos, Graça Machel, Mary Robinson, Desmond Tutu, and Ernesto Zedillo.