The UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Mr. Salvator Niyonzima, this morning requested staff to observe a minute of silence to following the passing away of long time UN Staff member and former UN Secretary General Kofi Atta Annan (1938-2018).

Key Attributes to Kofi Anan Contribution to the UN

 Among the many attributes which Mr. Annan will be remembered for, the RC identified three. Firstly, Mr. Annan worked tirelessly for global peace, security and cooperation. Secondly, as UN Secretary General, Mr. Annan placed a high premium on the promotion of Human Rights. He also initiated an ambitious programme of reforms for the organization. Thirdly, Mr. Annan developed and cultivated partnerships across the world to support peace and development. On the latter, the RC pointed to his role in the establishment of the Global Compact and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.  UN Secretary General Tribute to Kofi Annan

The incumbent UN Secretary-General António Guterres released a statement on the passing of Kofi Annan where he described him as a ‘guiding force for good’.  “It is with profound sadness that I learned of his passing.  In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He rose through the ranks to lead the organization into the new millennium with matchless dignity and determination. 

Like so many, I was proud to call Kofi Annan a good friend and mentor. I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees under his leadership. He remained someone I could always turn to for counsel and wisdom — and I know I was not alone. He provided people everywhere with a space for dialogue, a place for problem-solving and a path to a better world.  In these turbulent and trying times, he never stopped working to give life to the values of the United Nations Charter. His legacy will remain a true inspiration for all us.

My heartfelt condolences to Nane Annan, their beloved family, and all who mourn the loss of this proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.”

May his soul rest in eternal peace.