The 'Elders'( Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Graca Machel,Kofi Anan and others..), founded by Peter Gabriel and Richard Branson is a group of 'old' and wise men and women who work together to support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair. This group was the inspiration for 'theyoungandwise', who will focus on Africa.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Here you can find the mission of theyoungandwise.