The position was previously held by Kofi Annan until he died earlier this year.
Former President of Ireland Mary Robinson has been appointed as chair of The Elders, an international organisation of public figures noted as elder statespeople, peace activists and human rights advocates.
Robinson will become the third chair of the organisation, having been preceded by Kofi Annan and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
She has been a member of The Elders, which was founded by Nelson Mandela, since 2007.
In a statement released on
The Elders website, Ms Robinson said "It is a huge honour to take up the role as Chair of The Elders at such a critical moment for peace, justice and human rights worldwide.
"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."
Archbishop Tutu cited Robinson's work in places such as Palestine when discussing her appointment, saying:
"I am delighted that Mary Robinson is the new Chair of The Elders. I have witnessed her commitment to rights and justice in Palestine, Côte d’Ivoire, India and so many other parts of the world.
"Mary always puts ordinary people at the heart of The Elders’ mission, and I know she will fight for their rights with the same vigour as our dearly missed brother Kofi.
"
