Kofi Annan's Biography

Kofi Annan was an acclaimed Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006. Renowned for his commitment to global peace, Annan became the first black African to hold this prestigious position. He was born on April 8, 1938, in Kumasi, Ghana, and pursued higher education in economics and international relations at Macalester College and the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. Annan's tenure at the United Nations was marked by efforts to reform the organization, advocate for human rights, and address complex global issues such as HIV/AIDS and the Iraq War. In 2001, he was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for revitalizing the UN and giving priority to human rights. Despite facing controversies like the Oil-for-Food Programme scandal, Annan remains admired for his diplomatic acumen and commitment to humanitarian causes. After leaving the UN, he founded the Kofi Annan Foundation to promote better global governance and sustainable development. His legacy continues to inspire leaders worldwide, with his notable quote, "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." Annan's life and work reflect a remarkable dedication to fostering peace and cooperation among nations.