Trump has 'a model of ethical leadership' in Mandela – Annan and others

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has the ideals, magnanimity and empathy of African political icon, Nelson Mandela, to learn from as he prepares to take charge at the White House.

According to The Elders, an independent think-tank of global leaders founded by Mandela, the anti-apartheid champion ‘‘offers a model of ethical leadership for the new administration.’‘

Kofi Annan, the current Chair of The Elders said in a statement issued on Wednesday, “The people of the United States have elected Donald Trump as their next president. Mandela’s words remind us all that effective leadership requires vision, humility and openness; they provide a model for all heads of state and government to follow worldwide.”

Annan’s Deputy, Gro Harlem Brundtland, added: “Today’s world faces challenges that can only be solved by coordinated global action, from climate change to fighting terrorism.

‘‘The United States remains an indispensable actor and its support for effective international institutions, treaties and frameworks is as vital as ever.”

Their statement quoted Mandela in 1964 during his trial under the apartheid regime to buttress their position: “I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.”

Who are ‘The Elders’

According to their official website, ‘The Elders’ are an independent group of global leaders working together for peace and human rights.

The group was founded by iconic anti-Apartheid leader and former South African President Nelson Mandela, they represent an independent voice, not bound by the interests of any nation, government or institution.

It is currently Chaired by Kofi Annan, with Gro Harlem Brundtland, the first woman Prime Minister of Norway as Deputy Chair of The Elders, other distinguished members include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Lakhdar Brahimi, Mary Robinson, Graça Machel amongst others.