Mary Robinson has been named as the third chair of the group of global leaders advocating for peace and human rights.

Former Irish president, Mary Robinson, is to replace Kofi Annan as the chair of The Elders, an international non-governmental organization of public figures noted as elder statesmen and human rights advocates. 

Started by Nelson Mandela in 2007, Robinson is the third chair, following on from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Kofi Annan. 

The former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that it is a huge honor at “such a critical moment for peace, justice and human rights worldwide.

Read more: Mary Robinson, former Irish president, on her new book fighting climate change

Mary Robinson has been appointed as chair of international NGO The Elders, which was founded by Nelson Mandela and works in the areas of peace and human rights https://t.co/dKEMnoeYtz

— RTÉ News (@rtenews) November 2, 2018

"Building on the powerful legacies of Archbishop Tutu and Kofi Annan, I am confident that our group’s voice can both be heard by leaders and amplify grassroots activists fighting for their rights," she added. 

Robinson was congratulated by current Irish president Michael D. Higgins: “Mary Robinson’s appointment as chair of the Elders is a testament to the very high regard in which she is held at a global level, and she continues to be a source of inspiration and deep pride for the Irish people.

"In her new role, Mary Robinson will build on the work of the late Kofi Annan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela in harnessing the wisdom and experience of so many remarkable individuals to tackle the most pressing issues facing our world.

Read more: Ex-Irish president Mary Robinson slams Donald Trump on UN North Korea threats

A highlight of our week- Fmr Pdt Mary Robinson @MRFCJ takes up the role of Chair of The Elders at a critical time. As Archbishop Tutu said "Mary puts ordinary people at the heart of the Elders' mission." She will be an extraordinary leader of @TheElders! GBN @dfatirl @Irish_Aid pic.twitter.com/DCT34x2fBo

— IrelandUnitedNations (@irishmissionun) November 2, 2018

"Mary Robinson’s vast experience and personal, academic and executive contribution in the areas of Human Rights, the Multilateral System, Africa and the Middle East and most valuable on Climate Justice makes her well-placed to lead the Elders in maintaining its strong, independent voice to promote the common interests of humanity and protect the universal human rights we all share. On behalf of the Irish people, I congratulate Mary Robinson on her appointment and wish her every success in her new role.”