Our patrons

We are greatly honoured to have the support and endorsement of these highly respected peace advocates:

ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU

"I am delighted and honoured to become a patron of International Alert. They have been a force for peace for many years and the time has come for people to recognise the results of their quiet work of peacebuilding – the lives that International Alert gives back to so many communities in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East who have suffered from violent conflict and the lives that have been protected as violent conflict has been prevented."

BRIAN ENO

"Peace is the precondition for civilisation. In its absence there is poverty, wasted lives and resources. But peace isn't the default condition of humanity: it's something we have to work towards creating and maintaining. International Alert has been building sustainable peace in some of the world's most challenging conflict regions for over 25 years. I hope you will join me in supporting their efforts."

EMMANUEL JAL

"My own goal is to raise awareness about peace: the right to live equally, the right to freedom and justice, and where every child has hope for their future in a safe environment. I am proud to be a patron of International Alert, which has been working alongside local people to bring peace and prevent violence for nearly thirty years."

MARK STEPHENS

"For many years we have talked about ending global poverty, but without peace, prosperity will always remain a distant dream. As long as conflict continues, people will remain poor, frightened, dispossessed and angry. We have the opportunity to make the world a safer and more prosperous place for generations to come if we face up to the challenges of tackling conflicts and shape thoughtful solutions that address the underlying problems. We must hold to account those who proliferate conflict through the exploitation of natural resources. International Alert has been working towards this for over 25 years and the time has come to put the spotlight on their work. I hope you will join me in supporting their efforts."

WOLE SOYINKA

"As remote as the moon once appeared to mankind, peace remains the ultimate yearning, even in the furnace of conflict. Every initiative by individuals, institutions, even governments in pursuit of this prize is a leap of faith. It transcends even the pioneer astronauts' 'one small step for man', its optimism the starting block towards the crowning 'giant leap for humanity'." 

Photo of Brian Eno © Nick Robertson
Photo of Emmanuel Jal © Dave Watts