In South Africa, Nelson Mandela celebrated his 89th birthday Wednesday. The anti-apartheid leader and former South African president marked the occasion by announcing the launch of an international group of veteran world leaders to tackle global issues.

Nelson Mandela: “Using their collective experience, their moral courage and their ability to rise above the parochial concerns of nation, race and creed, they can help to make our planet a more peaceful, healthy and equitable place to live.”

The group includes former President Jimmy Carter.

Jimmy Carter: “With no adverse political consequences and prospects of criticism from constituencies or seeking public office, we will be able to risk failure in worthy causes, and we will not need to claim credit for any successes that might be achieved.”

Other group members include South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Irish President Mary Robinson and former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.