Former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan passed away at the age of 80. According to the reports from his family, Kofi Annan died a peaceful death. But it probably stemmed out of a short illness.
People got to learn the news of his death via Twitter. It described Annan as a global statesman who was also a deeply committed internationalist.
He devoted all his life and career to struggle for a more peaceful world. The tweet also acknowledges him as a champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law during his leadership of the United Nations.
The United Nations, his colleagues and appreciators of his work are saddened by the loss of the great leader. The current head of the United Nations described Annan as a guiding force for the good. Antonio Guterres further added that in many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations.
After the death of Annan, the Ghanaian President has announced a whole week of mourning. He remarked that Kofi Annan was one of their greatest compatriots. Former President of the United States Barack Obama also acknowledged Annan’s efforts towards creating a better world. And said that Annan was an inspiration for the next generation of leaders.
The Achievement of Kofi Annan
Kofi Annan’s leadership of the UN was historical in many ways. Born in Ghana, he was the first black man to head the United Nations from 1997 to 2006. Kofi Annan was also the first secretary-general who came from the ranks of the UN Staff. While serving the forum as a leader, Annan made some remarkable decisions. He initiated the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. In fact, during his tenure, the UN adopted its first ever counter-terrorism strategy. The member states also took the responsibility to protect their people from genocide, war crimes and other crimes that damaged humanity. Kofi Annan initiated the ‘Global Compact’ project which is still one of the largest world efforts for the promotion of corporate social responsibility.
Kofi Annan also received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his humanitarian work. He is still considered an epitome of human decency. And his death is surely a tragic loss for the entire world.
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