The U.S. Institute of Peace mourns the loss of Kofi Annan, who served as the United Nations’ secretary general during a turbulent decade and was awarded the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize for his career-long effort to strengthen the United Nations’ role. “We have lost a great soul and a relentless champion for peace, human rights and human dignity,” said USIP President Nancy Lindborg. “He led a life of dedicated service and inspired so many others to do the same.”

Secretary-General Kofi Annan addresses the General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sep. 21, 2004. (Richard Perry/The New York)
Secretary-General Kofi Annan addresses the General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Sep. 21, 2004. (Richard Perry/The New York Times)

As U.N. secretary general from 1997 to 2006, Annan, a Ghanaian diplomat, led the organization amid violent upheavals including the wars following the collapse of Yugoslavia and the genocide in Rwanda. In their wake, Annan pressed the United Nations to assert governments' "responsibility to protect" human lives and rights even amid conflict, and to be prepared to intervene against atrocities.

“Annan’s tenure at the U.N. was marked by his quiet determination and moral conviction to solve international conflicts and build a more peaceful world,” said Ambassador George Moose, the vice chair of USIP’s Board of Directors. “From peace to poverty to human rights, his work at the U.N. helped revitalize the institution and reorient its work toward addressing the world’s most pressing modern challenges,” said Moose, a former assistant secretary of state for African affairs. He first worked with Annan in New York in the early 1990s and later served as a senior U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during Annan’s tenure.

“Whether serving as the U.N.’s comptroller, or later as the head of the U.N. peacekeeping office, Annan’s focus was always on how to improve the organization’s ability to assist those who most needed its help. And he took personal responsibility in those instances where the U.N. fell short of that goal,” Moose added.

Contributions to Diplomacy

"Kofi Annan made important contributions to modern diplomacy," said Chester Crocker, who served as the U.S assistant secretary of state for Africa during the Reagan administration. "As the first African secretary general, he mainstreamed his region of origin, working hard to make sure Africa got the attention it warranted from U.N. headquarters."

Crocker, who served for 12 years as chairman of USIP's Board of Directors, praised Annan's role in strengthening the United Nations as an institution. U.N. secretaries general wield almost no real power, relying on persuasion and consensus-building among the United Nations' member states, and Annan became known for his quiet skills of personal diplomacy. "He made his mark by standing up to U.N. Security Council permanent members when he thought it necessary, and was prepared to pay a price for following his instinct," said Crocker. "He fought for major U.N. reform initiatives."

After serving two terms as secretary general, Annan established his own foundation to improve governance in nations worldwide. And he continued to mediate in violent upheavals. When political violence erupted in Kenya over disputed elections, killing more than 1,000 people, Annan headed a mission that mediated a peace agreement and ended the violence. "Students of mediation will long remember Kofi Annan for his effective tradecraft both in office and as a private citizen," said Crocker. "The people of Kenya owe much to this statesman who played the central role in saving them from disastrous conflict 10 years ago." Most recently, Annan worked with the civilian government in Burma (Myanmar) to halt the violence against the Rohingya ethnic minority by the military, which the government does not control.

Related News

In Memoriam: Henry Kissinger

In Memoriam: Henry Kissinger

Thursday, November 30, 2023

News Type: Announcement

The U.S. Institute of Peace is saddened by the death of Henry Kissinger, who played a pivotal role—as Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, Chancellor of William and Mary, and chair of the 9/11 Commission-- in shaping America’s foreign and national security policy and priorities for more than five decades.

USIP Announces 2023-2024 Peace Scholar Dissertation Fellows

Thursday, July 20, 2023

News Type: Announcement

The U.S. Institute of Peace is pleased to announce the 2023-24 cohort of Peace Scholar Fellows. This year 113 applicants from 66 U.S. universities applied for this prestigious award. The 21 award recipients demonstrated the greatest potential to advance the peacebuilding field and the strongest likelihood to inform policy and practice.

USIP Announces New Grants

Friday, December 23, 2022

News Type: Announcement

The U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) is pleased to announce the results of the Institute’s 2022 grant competition focused on options for reforming multilateral peacebuilding in a changing world.

USIP Announces 2022-2023 Peace Scholar Dissertation Fellows

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

News Type: Announcement

The U.S. Institute of Peace is pleased to announce the 2022-23 cohort of Peace Scholar Fellows. This year 87 applicants from 52 U.S. universities applied for this prestigious award. The 20 award recipients demonstrated the greatest potential to advance the peacebuilding field and the strongest likelihood to inform policy and practice.

View All News