Mary Robinson - Global Leader & Catalyst for Change
The first woman elected as President of Ireland (1990-1997), Mary Robinson has been credited with transforming the role with a presidency of inclusiveness, equality and peace building, and with creating an important dialogue at home and overseas about Ireland and the Irish Diaspora.
As a barrister advocating human rights and women’s equality in the Irish and European Courts, an academic and as a member of the Irish Senate representing the University of Dublin (Trinity College) constituency from 1969-1989, Mary Robinson’s work played a pivotal role in shaping modern Ireland.
The Elders is a group of global leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela and Richard Branson. Mary Robinson is a founding member and current Chair of The Elders, joined by Graça Machel (South Africa), Fernando Henrique Cardoso (Brazil), Desmond Tutu (South Africa), Jimmy Carter (United States), Kofi Annan (Ghana), Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Gro Harlem Brundtland (Norway), Martti Ahtisaari (Finland), Ela Bhatt (India), Lakhdar Brahimi (Algeria), Hina Jilani (Pakistan) and Ernesto Zedillo (Mexico).
The Elders use their independence, collective experience and influence for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. Mary's work with the United Nations, Oxfam International, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the GAVI Alliance, The Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice, and others, advocates good governance, a voice for the vulnerable in our world.
Born 1944 in Ballina, Co. Mayo, Mary is a proud Ballina and Mayo woman. She credits her interest in equality to her childhood experience of growing up as the middle child between four brothers. Mary lives in Dublin with her husband Nick.
The first woman elected as President of Ireland (1990-1997), Mary Robinson has been credited with transforming the role with a presidency of inclusiveness, equality and peace building, and with creating an important dialogue at home and overseas about Ireland and the Irish Diaspora.
As a barrister advocating human rights and women’s equality in the Irish and European Courts, an academic and as a member of the Irish Senate representing the University of Dublin (Trinity College) constituency from 1969-1989, Mary Robinson’s work played a pivotal role in shaping modern Ireland.
The Elders is a group of global leaders brought together by Nelson Mandela and Richard Branson. Mary Robinson is a founding member and current Chair of The Elders, joined by Graça Machel (South Africa), Fernando Henrique Cardoso (Brazil), Desmond Tutu (South Africa), Jimmy Carter (United States), Kofi Annan (Ghana), Nelson Mandela (South Africa), Gro Harlem Brundtland (Norway), Martti Ahtisaari (Finland), Ela Bhatt (India), Lakhdar Brahimi (Algeria), Hina Jilani (Pakistan) and Ernesto Zedillo (Mexico).
The Elders use their independence, collective experience and influence for peace, justice and human rights worldwide. Mary's work with the United Nations, Oxfam International, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the GAVI Alliance, The Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice, and others, advocates good governance, a voice for the vulnerable in our world.
Born 1944 in Ballina, Co. Mayo, Mary is a proud Ballina and Mayo woman. She credits her interest in equality to her childhood experience of growing up as the middle child between four brothers. Mary lives in Dublin with her husband Nick.
