Respect for the wisdom of elders is a deeply embedded African tradition and it is a concept that seems to be at the heart of this latest initiative to bring together some of the world's highest profile retirees.
Arguably, the world's most respected elder statesman, Nelson Mandela, is to mark his eighty ninth birthday by introducing the elite group of international leaders. The idea originated with British entrepreneur Richard Branson and musician, Peter Gabriel, who wanted to create a world council of elders to take on big issues such as AIDS and global warming.
According to a statement from the organisers, the group will contribute their wisdom, independent leadership and integrity in addressing some of the world's toughest problems. It is a big idea with powerful people behind it.
Although it's not yet clear who will serve on the council, among those attending the launch will be South Africa's retired Anglican archbishop, Desmond Tutu, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, the former US president Jimmy Carter and the former president of Ireland, Mary Robinson.
There is no shortage of moral authority there but the former leaders have also long since left the real levers of power behind them.
Peter Greste, BBC, Johannesburg
New Words (Từ mới)
Respect for the wisdom of elders
Kính trọng sự thông thái, khôn ngoan của những người lớn tuổi
deeply embedded
hằn sâu
at the heart of this latest initiative
là trọng tâm, chủ chốt, chính yếu nhất của sáng kiến mới nhất này
highest profile retirees
những nhân vật đã về hưu nổi tiếng nhất, đã từng có trọng trách to lớn
elder statesman
các nguyên thủ quốc gia lâu năm, giàu kinh nghiệm, đáng kính trọng
originated with
bắt nguồn, xuất phát từ
integrity
tính trung thực, thành thật, nhân phẩm
the launch
khai trương, khai mạc (ở đây là việc khai trương một tổ chức mới gồm các nhân vật nổi tiếng thế giới đã về hưu)
former president
cựu Tổng thống
no shortage of moral authority
không thiếu quyền lực về đạo lý, đạo đức