The Elders and the Future of Life Institute (FLI) have announced a joint appeal to global leaders, urging them to adopt a forward-thinking "long-view leadership" approach to address existential threats facing humanity. These pressing dangers include climate change, pandemics, nuclear weaponry, and unregulated artificial intelligence.
In a press release issued by The Elders, it was revealed that both organizations had crafted an open letter released this week. The letter implores world leaders to "work together to address these existential threats more decisively."
The letter states that the impacts of these existential threats are already being felt globally. It highlights climate change; COVID-19, a pandemic responsible for millions of deaths; and the potential use of nuclear weapons in ongoing conflicts. However, The Elders and FLI assert that the situation could deteriorate further—potentially endangering life on Earth—with the emerging risks associated with AI.
"Our world is in grave danger. We face a set of threats that put all humanity at risk. Our leaders are not responding with the wisdom and urgency required," says the letter. "We are at a precipice... We need long-view leadership from decision-makers who understand the urgency of the existential threats we face, and believe in our ability to overcome them."
As per information available on The Elders' website, this non-profit organization was established by Nelson Mandela in 2007. Comprising global leaders, The Elders strives for peace, justice, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Its members include Mary Robinson—the first female president of Ireland—as chair; Ernesto Zedillo—former president of Mexico; Juan Manuel Santos—former president of Colombia; and Helen Clark—former prime minister of New Zealand.
According to details provided on FLI's website, this institute was founded in 2014 with the mission to "steer transformative technologies away from extreme, large-scale risks and towards benefiting life." Max Tegmark, a cosmologist and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, serves as FLI's president.
