A collection of quotes and thoughts by Kofi Annan on ignorance, racism, tolerance, prejudice, rights, literacy, equality, inspiration, love, politics, war and life.
Kofi Atta Annan was the seventeenth Secretary-General of the United Nations. He received the ‘Nobel Peace Prize’ in 2001. Annan was one of the 12 honorary members of the non-profit organization - ‘The Elders’, which was initiated by Nelson Mandela to resolve some of the world's most intractable conflicts. He was also the founding chairman of the ‘Kofi Annan Foundation’, whose fundamental aim is to promote global peace and better governance. Annan was instrumental in combating rampant HIV epidemic in Africa. During his tenure, he laid the foundation of ‘United Nations Global Compact’. The primary goal of this institution is to stimulate global trade and to adopt ecologically feasible and socially responsible policies. Annan faced a lot of heat due to his controversial ‘Oil-for-Food Program’ and ‘Under-development of Security Council’. After his stint as UN Secretary General, Annan was elected as the UN–Arab League Joint Special Representative for Syria. Here are some of the famous quotes from this global peace-keeper highlighting his thoughts and work on issues pertaining to harmony, equality, knowledge, globalization, religion, justice and freedom.
Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.
- Kofi Annan
Unfortunately, very few governments think about youth unemployment when they are drawing up their national plans.
We must ensure that the global market is embedded in broadly shared values and practices that reflect global social needs, and that all the world's people share the benefits of globalization.
- Kofi Annan
On climate change, we often don't fully appreciate that it is a problem. We think it is a problem waiting to happen.
Above all else, we need a reaffirmation of political commitment at the highest levels to reducing the dangers that arise both from existing nuclear weapons and from further proliferation.
- Kofi Annan
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.
We have the means and the capacity to deal with our problems, if only we can find the political will.
- Kofi Annan
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.
- Kofi Annan
I urge the Iraqi leadership for sake of its own people... to seize this opportunity and thereby begin to end the isolation and suffering of the Iraqi people.
- Kofi Annan
The United Nations, whose membership comprises almost all the states in the world, is founded on the principle of the equal worth of every human being.
- Kofi Annan
I don't share the view that the ICC is anti-African. The ICC is not putting Africa on trial. The ICC is fighting impunity and individuals who are accused of crimes.
- Kofi Annan
Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family
When economic conditions are difficult, people tend to be less generous and protect themselves; the question of solidarity doesn't mean much to them at that time.
The problem is not with the faith, but with the faithful
- Kofi Annan
National markets are held together by shared values and confidence in certain minimum standards. But in the new global market, people do not yet have that confidence.
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.
- Kofi Annan
More countries have understood that women's equality is a prerequisite for development.
- Kofi Annan
We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.
- Kofi Annan
Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.
- Kofi Annan
Education is, quite simply, peace-building by another name. It is the most effective form of defense spending there is.
- Kofi Annan
Time and again, when member states and the governments are faced with an insoluble problem, and they're under pressure to do something, that something usually ends up being referred to the U.N.
Business, labor and civil society organizations have skills and resources that are vital in helping to build a more robust global community.
- Kofi Annan
Open markets offer the only realistic hope of pulling billions of people in developing countries out of abject poverty, while sustaining prosperity in the industrialized world.
- Kofi Annan
More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that is why we have the United Nations.
Iraq has a new opportunity to comply with all these relevant resolutions of the Security Council.
- Kofi Annan
In the rush for justice it is important not to lose sight of principles the country holds dear.
- Kofi Annan
The question is the morning after. What sort of Iraq do we wake up to after the bombing? What happens in the region? What impact could it have? These are questions leaders I have spoken to have posed.
- Kofi Annan
If we can come up with innovations and train young people to take on new jobs, and if we can switch to clean energy, I think we have the capacity to build this world not dependent on fossil-fuel. I think it will happen, and it won't destroy economy.
What governments and people don't realise is that sometimes the collective interest - the international interest - is also the national interest.
- Kofi Annan
Many African leaders refuse to send their troops on peace keeping missions abroad because they probably need their armies to intimidate their own populations.
The Lord had the wonderful advantage of being able to work alone.
- Kofi Annan
If the United Nations does not attempt to chart a course for the world's people in the first decades of the new millennium, who will?
- Kofi Annan
In their greatest hour of need, the world failed the people of Rwanda.
- Kofi Annan
We need to keep hope alive and strive to do better.
- Kofi Annan
You can do a lot with diplomacy, but with diplomacy backed up by force you can get a lot more done.
- Kofi Annan
If one is going to err, one should err on the side of liberty and freedom.
- Kofi Annan
We have to choose between a global market driven only by calculations of short-term profit, and one which has a human face.
- Kofi Annan
We cannot wait for governments to do it all. Globalization operates on Internet time. Governments tend to be slow moving by nature, because they have to build political support for every step.
If information and knowledge are central to democracy, they are conditions for development.
- Kofi Annan
Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development.
