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Biography of the late Kofi Annan
Jun 26, 2025
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By: Ismail Akwei
Kofi Atta Annan (April 8, 1938 – August 18, 2018) was a distinguished Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006.
Born in Kumasi, Ghana, into a family with a background in leadership, Annan pursued studies in economics and management, attending institutions such as Macalester College in the United States, the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Annan joined the United Nations in 1962, beginning his career at the World Health Organisation in Geneva. Over the decades, he held various key positions, including Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping from 1992 to 1996.
In December 1996, he was appointed Secretary-General, becoming the first to be elected from within the UN staff ranks. He was re-elected in 2001 for a second term.
During his tenure, Annan focused on reforming the UN bureaucracy to make it more effective and responsive. He was a strong advocate for human rights, the rule of law, and global development goals, with particular attention to Africa. Under his leadership, UN peacekeeping operations were strengthened to meet growing demands.
He also launched initiatives such as the UN Global Compact to promote corporate social responsibility and played a central role in establishing the Peacebuilding Commission and the Human Rights Council.
Annan’s diplomatic efforts included easing political transitions, certifying peace agreements, and addressing global crises. Notably, he shared the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize with the United Nations for their work in promoting peace and international cooperation.
After leaving office, he founded the Kofi Annan Foundation to continue working on global development and conflict resolution. In 2012, he served as the UN-Arab League Joint Special Representative for Syria, and in 2016, he led a UN commission investigating the Rohingya crisis.
Kofi Annan passed away in 2018 and was honoured with a state funeral. His legacy endures as a symbol of dedication to peace, justice, and international diplomacy.
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