The late Nelson Mandela formed "The Elders" in hopes that internationally respected, independent leaders could help resolve conflict in the "global village," much as wise kupuna in traditional villages did.

Three of these elders — Nobel Peace Prize winner Desmond Tutu and two pioneering women leaders from Pakistan and Norway — are coming to Hawaii from Aug. 29 through 31 to speak about their work and exchange thoughts with local residents. They were invited by Pillars of Peace Hawaii, an initiative of the Hawaii Community Foundation.

"We are honored to have such an esteemed group of leaders come to Hawaii to share their global experiences and perspectives on peace issues," said Kelvin Taketa, president and CEO of the foundation. "Their visit will enable us, in turn, to share our approach to peace, influenced by the spirit of aloha and our community that merges numerous cultural influences."

The Elders, a group of 11, are selected for their integrity, independence from any government or vested interest, and demonstrated ability to lead and inspire others. They are committed to promoting peace and human rights by listening to all sides, and using their influence to raise the concerns of ordinary people.

Tutu, the archbishop emeritus of Cape Town who helped heal South Africa’s apartheid divisions, visited Hawaii two years ago at the invitation of Pillars of Peace and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. He was chairman of the Elders group from its formation in 2007 until last year, when he became an "honorary elder."

Joining Tutu this time are Pakistan’s Hina Jilani, a pro-democracy campaigner and attorney, and Gro Harlem Brundtland, Norway’s first female prime minister and former director-general of the World Health Organization.

Jilani is one of the newest Elders, having joined last year.

She launched Pakistan’s first legal aid center and helped found its Human Rights Commission. A recipient of the Millennium Peace Prize for Women, she focuses on empowering citizens, gender equity and minority rights.

"She is looking forward to learning about the multicultural environment of Hawaii and how different groups live and work together," said Lesley-Anne Knight, chief executive officer of The Elders organization.

Brundtland has been dubbed "the mother of sustainability" for her environmental commitment. A medical doctor, she was the United Nations’ special envoy on climate change.

"Dr. Brundtland will be particularly interested in understanding how climate change has affected Hawaii and how its people are managing to achieve sustainability," Knight said.

The trio will visit Bishop Museum and Iolani Palace and take part in two events at the Hawai‘i Convention Center.

Mandela, South Africa’s anti-apartheid agitator and later president, died in December, but the group he created continues his legacy. Kofi Annan, former United Nations secretary-general, is the current chairman.

"In 2014, The Elders are focusing on climate change, empowering women and continuing to work on intractable conflicts like Israel-Palestine, Myanmar and South Sudan," Knight said.

The Elders are supported by a small staff in London but continue to live in their respective countries. The group’s work is funded by donations from members of the Elders’ Advisory Council, which includes Hawaii resident Pam Omidyar.

Elders have made several visits to the Middle East as well as Myanmar, meeting with a wide range of people.

Knight said the Elders focus on five values: courage, integrity, equality, perseverance and compassion.

"It is this last value in particular which drives the Elders," Knight said. "We must stand in solidarity with those suffering conflict, poverty and oppression and it is The Elders’ hope that they will give voice to the voiceless wherever they go. It is by listening and bearing witness — and then conveying that to the highest level of government — that the Elders can have real impact."

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On the Net:

» www.pillarsofpeacehawaii.org

» www.theelders.org