How Koffi Annan Redefined the United Nations
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| Koffi Annan |
The foundation named after him announced that the
80-year-old "passed away peacefully on Saturday after a short
illness."
His home
country of Ghana has declared a week of national mourning in light of his passing.
Former
US President Barack Obama said Annan, who was the first black African to take
on the UN secretary general role, had always pursued a "better
world."
Here's
everything you need to know about the life and legacy of Kofi Annan.
It is
with immense sadness that the Annan family and the Kofi Annan Foundation
announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations and
Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a
short illness...
“It is with immense sadness that the Annan family and the
Kofi Annan Foundation announce that Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the
United Nation and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th
August after a short illness. His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and
Nina were by his side during his last days.
Kofi
Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought
throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his
distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent
champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.
After
stepping down from the United nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the
cause of peace through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as
chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration
to young and old alike.
Kofi
Annan was a son of Ghana and felt a special responsibility towards Africa. He
was particularly committed to African development and deeply engaged in many
initiatives, including his chairmanship of the Africa Progress Panel and his
early leadership of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
Wherever
there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his
deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating
genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did. He will be greatly
missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and
his many former colleagues in the United Nations system. He will remain in our
hearts forever.
The
family kindly requests privacy at this time of mourning. Arrangements to
celebrate his remarkable life will be announced later.”
Career with the UN
After Mr
Annan graduated from Macalester College in the US, he got his first job in the
UN as a budget officer for the World Health Organization (WHO).
As he
enjoyed a blossoming career, he was elected under-secretary-general and head of
peacekeeping in 1993.
It was
in this coveted position that Mr Annan encountered one of the most challenging
milestones of his career - the Rwandan genocide of 1994.
He and
his team came under harsh criticism after it emerged that they ignored
information that was passed down to them warning a genocide had been planned.
He
addressed his failures when he visited the African country in 1998.
In a
speech, he said: "We must and we do acknowledge that the world failed
Rwanda at that time of evil,
"The
international community and the United Nations could not muster the political
will to confront it. The world must deeply repent this failure.''
Despite
the controversy, Mr Annan was elected UN general secretary in 1997, becoming
the first black African to be voted into the position.
Mr Annan
would later set up to separate inquiries about the UN's handling of tragedies
in Rwanda and Bosnia.
Kofi Annan's biggest humanitarian successes
Throughout
his career, Mr Annan demonstrated a commitment to raising the African agenda on
an international scale.
In 2001,
he launched a campaign to tackle Africa's HIV and AIDS epidemic.
Talking
at a UN security council meeting, he warned world leaders that the disease was
ten times deadlier than armed conflict on the continent.
Mr Annan
was know his impressive mediation skills, especially when dealing with crises
in the Middle East and is credited with having prevented a bombing in Iraq in
1998.
In 2008,
he launched a peacekeeping attempt in Kenya after violence broke out following
former President Mwai Kibaki topping election polls over opposition leader
Ralia Odinga in 2007.
Mr Annan got both leaders to agree on a power-sharing
coalition.
In 2001,
he and the UN jointly received the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to
reform the UN and give "priority to human rights."
Well Deserved retirement
Mr Annan
stepped down from his post in 2006, aged 69.
He then
set up the Kofi Annan foundation to help promote global security, peace and
sustainable development in 2007.
He
acquired a few other positions throughout his supposed retirement, including
chair of the Elders, a group started by Nelson Mandela to get world leaders to
work towards peace and human rights.
Annan's most quotable quotes
With a
legacy like his, you can guess he's had a few. Here are some of his most
memorable:
"There is no development strategy more beneficial to
society as a whole - women and men alike - than the one which involves women as
central players."
"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating.
Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family."
"In the 21st century, I believe the mission of the
United Nations will be defined by a new, more profound awareness of the
sanctity and dignity of every human life, regardless of race or religion."
"I have always believed that on important issues,
the leaders must lead. Where the leaders fail to lead, and people are really
concerned about it, the people will take the lead and make the leaders
follow."
"To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must
know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want
to get there."
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