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Kofi Annan

59 quotes

“The world is not ours to keep. We hold it in trust for future generations.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“You can do a lot with diplomacy, but with diplomacy backed up by force you can get a lot more done.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 1998 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Press conference regarding the use of force to gain compliance from Saddam Hussein (24 February 1998)
“We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Eradication of extreme poverty has been identified as a priority, and specific targets have been set for prescribed measures. Many said the potential benefits of globalization are understood but people have yet to feel them. It is agreed that part of the solution lies in sovereign States giving priority to the needs of their people, especially the poorest. States, however, must work with the private sector and civil society to solve the problems of globalization. A more equitable world economy has been called for, one where those who have more do more for those who have less.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2000 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Address given at the United Nation's General Assembly Millennium Summit (8 September 2000)
“He is very calm—very, very calm. Never raises his voice. Well-informed, contrary to the sense outside that he is ill-informed and isolated. And decisive.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 1998 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On Saddam Hussein, Press conference (24 February 1998)
“Unless the Security Council is restored to its pre-eminent position as the sole source of legitimacy on the use of force, we are on a dangerous path to anarchy.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 1999 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Speech at the centennial of the International Peace Conference (19 May 1999)
“We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race. We all share the same basic values.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 1999 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in Simply Living: The Spirit of the Indigenous People (1999) edited by Shirley A. Jones
“More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 1999 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Message for the new millennium (31 December 1999)
“You have said that your first priority is the eradication of extreme poverty.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2000 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: So spoke United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on September 8, 2000, to an assembly of the world’s most powerful men and women. WOL
“I hope we do not see another Iraq-type operation for a long time — without UN approval and much broader support from the international community.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Iraq war illegal, says Annan" BBC News (16 September 2004); when asked if the invasion of Iraq was illegal, he replied "Yes, if you wish. I have indicated it was not in conformity with the UN charter from our point of v…
“Well, the issue of a standing UN army has been raised by many because, quite frankly, the way we operate today is like telling Ottawa that I know you need a fire station but we will build one when the fire breaks. We have no army. When the crisis breaks then we begin to put an army together. We go around to governments and begin asking for troops. The question with a standing UN army is that it raises issues of budget issues, legal issues, where do you place it, under what jurisdiction? And the big boys, big countries don't want it. The smaller countries are also nervous.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The Lord had the wonderful advantage of being able to work alone.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 1997 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Answer when he was asked why he had not yet reformed the U.N. an its agencies after five months, given that God had taken only seven days to create the universe. As quoted in TIME Magazine (1997), edited by Briton Hadde…
“The report [by a UN commission on Darfur] demonstrates beyond all doubt that the last two years have been little short of hell on earth for our fellow human beings in Darfur.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Annan urges action to end 'hell on earth' in Darfur (17 February 2005)
“The intention was really to do something dignified, something that is honest and reflects the work that this Organization does. And it is with that spirit that the producers and the directors approached their work, and I hope you will all agree they have done that.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2005 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: On the film The Interpreter, from "Secretary-General's press encounter" (19 April 2005)
“We don’t need any more promises. We need to start keeping the promises we already made.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2004 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s message for the New Year, 2004. un.org
“There are a great number of peoples who need more than just words of sympathy from the international community. They need a real and sustained commitment to help end their cycles of violence, and launch them on a safe passage to prosperity.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The international community . . . allows nearly 3 billion people—almost half of all humanity—to subsist on $2 or less a day in a world of unprecedented wealth.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2002 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Awake! magazine, May 22, 2002; Can Globalization Really Solve Our Problems?
“We need to create a world that is equitable, that is stable and a world where we bear in mind the needs of others, and not only what we need immediately. We are all in the same boat.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2013 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The World I'm Working To Create", Skoll World Forum (12 August 2013)
“Gender equality is critical for the development and peace of every nation.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in: Kabir, Hajara Muhammad (2010). Northern women development. [Nigeria]. ISBN 978-978-906-469-4. OCLC 890820657.
“When women thrive, all of society benefits and succeeding generations are given a better start in life.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in: Kabir, Hajara Muhammad (2010). Northern women development. [Nigeria]. ISBN 978-978-906-469-4. OCLC 890820657.
“Scientists tell us that the world of nature is so small and interdependent that a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon rainforest can generate a violent storm on the other side of the earth. This principle is known as the "Butterfly Effect." Today, we realize, perhaps more than ever, that the world of human activity also has its own "Butterfly Effect" — for better or for worse.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We have entered the third millennium through a gate of fire. If today, after the horror of 11 September, we see better, and we see further — we will realize that humanity is indivisible. New threats make no distinction between races, nations or regions. A new insecurity has entered every mind, regardless of wealth or status. A deeper awareness of the bonds that bind us all — in pain as in prosperity — has gripped young and old.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“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. This will require us to look beyond the framework of States, and beneath the surface of nations or communities. We must focus, as never before, on improving the conditions of the individual men and women who give the state or nation its richness and character.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Over the past five years, I have often recalled that the United Nations' Charter begins with the words: "We the peoples." What is not always recognized is that "we the peoples" are made up of individuals whose claims to the most fundamental rights have too often been sacrificed in the supposed interests of the state or the nation.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“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. It is the nearest thing we have to a representative institution that can address the interests of all states, and all peoples. Through this universal, indispensable instrument of human progress, States can serve the interests of their citizens by recognizing common interests and pursuing them in unity.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This era of global challenges leaves no choice but cooperation at the global level. When States undermine the rule of law and violate the rights of their individual citizens, they become a menace not only to their own people, but also to their neighbours, and indeed the world. What we need today is better governance — legitimate, democratic governance that allows each individual to flourish, and each State to thrive.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Beneath the surface of states and nations, ideas and language, lies the fate of individual human beings in need. Answering their needs will be the mission of the United Nations in the century to come.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In today’s world, the security of every one of us is linked to that of everyone else.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When I look at the murder, rape and starvation to which the people of Darfur are being subjected, I fear that we have not got far beyond “lip service”. The lesson here is that high-sounding doctrines like the “responsibility to protect” will remain pure rhetoric unless and until those with the power to intervene effectively — by exerting political, economic or, in the last resort, military muscle — are prepared to take the lead.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I believe we have a responsibility not only to our contemporaries but also to future generations — a responsibility to preserve resources that belong to them as well as to us, and without which none of us can survive. That means we must do much more, and urgently, to prevent or slow down climate change. Everyday that we do nothing, or too little, imposes higher costs on our children and our children’s children. Of course, it reminds me of an African proverb — the earth is not ours but something we hold in trust for future generations. I hope my generation will be worthy of that trust.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Both security and development ultimately depend on respect for human rights and the rule of law. — Although increasingly interdependent, our world continues to be divided — not only by economic differences, but also by religion and culture. That is not in itself a problem. Throughout history, human life has been enriched by diversity, and different communities have learnt from each other. But, if our different communities are to live together in peace we must stress also what unites us: our common humanity, and our shared belief that human dignity and rights should be protected by law.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The US has given the world an example of a democracy in which everyone, including the most powerful, is subject to legal restraint. Its current moment of world supremacy gives it a priceless opportunity to entrench the same principles at the global level.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“It is only through multilateral institutions that States can hold each other to account. And that makes it very important to organize those institutions in a fair and democratic way, giving the poor and the weak some influence over the actions of the rich and the strong.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Thank you, Senator [Hagel] for that wonderful introduction. It is a great honour to be introduced by such a distinguished legislator.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“And thanks to you, Mr Devine, and all your staff, and to the wonderful UNA chapter of Kansas City, for all you have done to make this occasion possible.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“What a pleasure, and a privilege, to be here in Missouri. It is almost a homecoming for me. Nearly half a century ago I was a student about 400 miles north of here, in Minnesota.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I arrived there straight from Africa - and I can tell you, Minnesota soon taught me the value of a thick overcoat, a warm scarf and even ear-muffs!”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“If one is going to err, one should err on the side of liberty and freedom.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“When you leave one home for another, there are always lessons to be learnt'. And I had more to learn when I moved on from Minnesota to the United Nations - the indispensable common house of the entire human family, which has been my main home for the last 44 years.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Today I want to talk particularly about five lessons I have learnt in the last 10 years, during which I have had the difficult but exhilarating role of Secretary General.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I think it is especially fitting that I do that here in the house that honours the legacy of Harry S Truman. If FDR [Franklin D Roosevelt] was the architect of the United Nations, President Truman was the master-builder, and the faithful champion of the Organisation in its first years, when it had to face quite different problems from the ones FDR had expected.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Truman's name will for ever be associated with the memory of far-sighted American leadership in a great global endeavour. And you will see that every one of my five lessons brings me to the conclusion that such leadership is no less sorely needed now than it was 60 years ago.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I think that my darkest moment was the Iraq war, and the fact that we could not stop it.. I worked very hard — I was working the phone, talking to leaders around the world... The U.S. did not have the support in the [[United Nations|[UN] Security Council]]. So they decided to go without the council. But I think the council was right in not sanctioning the war...Could you imagine if the U.N. had endorsed the war in Iraq, what our reputation would be like? Although at that point, President (George W.) Bush said the U.N. was headed toward irrelevance, because we had not supported the war. But now we know better.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) first seen 2018 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted in Kofi Annan, former UN secretary general, dies aged 80 (CNBC) (18 August 2018)
“These values: compassion; solidarity; respect for each other - already exist in all our great religions. We can begin by reaffirming and demonstrating that the problem is not the Koran, nor the Torah nor the Bible. As I have often said, the problem is never the faith. It is the faithful, and how we behave towards each other. It is these great, enduring and universal principles which are also enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We can use these values – and the frameworks and tools we have based on them - to bridge divides and make people feel more secure and confident of the future.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Today, in Afghanistan, a girl will be born. Her mother will hold her and feed her, comfort her and care for her — just as any mother would anywhere in the world. In these most basic acts of human nature, humanity knows no divisions.But to be born a girl in today's Afghanistan is to begin life centuries away from the prosperity that one small part of humanity has achieved. It is to live under conditions that many of us in this hall would consider inhuman. I speak of a girl in Afghanistan, but I might equally well have mentioned a baby boy or girl in Sierra Leone. No one today is unaware of this divide between the world’s rich and poor. No one today can claim ignorance of the cost that this divide imposes on the poor and dispossessed who are no less deserving of human dignity, fundamental freedoms, security, food and education than any of us. The cost, however, is not borne by them alone. Ultimately, it is borne by all of us — North and South, rich and poor, men and women of all races and religions. Today's real borders are not between nations, but between powerful and powerless, free and fettered, privileged and humiliated. Today, no walls can separate |humanitarian or human rights crises in one part of the world from national security crises in another.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The 20th century was perhaps the deadliest in human history, devastated by innumerable conflicts, untold suffering, and unimaginable crimes.Time after time, a group or a nation inflicted extreme violence on another, often driven by irrational hatred and suspicion, or unbounded arrogance and thirst for power and resources. In response to these cataclysms, the leaders of the world came together at mid-century to unite the nations as never before. A forum was created — the United Nations — where all nations could join forces to affirm the dignity and worth of every person, and to secure peace and development for all peoples. Here States could unite to strengthen the rule of law, recognize and address the needs of the poor, restrain man’s brutality and greed, conserve the resources and beauty of nature, sustain the equal rights of men and women, and provide for the safety of future generations.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“A genocide begins with the killing of one man — not for what he has done, but because of who he is. A campaign of 'ethnic cleansing' begins with one neighbour turning on another. Poverty begins when even one child is denied his or her fundamental right to education. What begins with the failure to uphold the dignity of one life, all too often ends with a calamity for entire nations. In this new century, we must start from the understanding that peace belongs not only to states or peoples, but to each and every member of those communities. The sovereignty of States must no longer be used as a shield for gross violations of human rights. Peace must be made real and tangible in the daily existence of every individual in need. Peace must be sought, above all, because it is the condition for every member of the human family to live a life of dignity and security.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The rights of the individual are of no less importance to immigrants and minorities in Europe and the Americas than to women in Afghanistan or children in Africa. They are as fundamental to the poor as to the rich; they are as necessary to the security of the developed world as to that of the developing world. From this vision of the role of the United Nations in the next century flow three key priorities for the future: eradicating poverty, preventing conflict, and promoting democracy. Only in a world that is rid of poverty can all men and women make the most of their abilities. Only where individual rights are respected can differences be channelled politically and resolved peacefully. Only in a democratic environment, based on respect for diversity and dialogue, can individual self-expression and self-government be secured, and freedom of association be upheld.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I humbly accept the Centennial Nobel Peace Prize. Forty years ago today, the Prize for 1961 was awarded for the first time to a Secretary-General of the United Nations — posthumously, because Dag Hammarskjöld had already given his life for peace in Central Africa. And on the same day, the Prize for 1960 was awarded for the first time to an African — Albert Luthuli, one of the earliest leaders of the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. For me, as a young African beginning his career in the United Nations a few months later, those two men set a standard that I have sought to follow throughout my working life.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“In a world filled with weapons of war and all too often words of war, the Nobel Committee has become a vital agent for peace. Sadly, a prize for peace is a rarity in this world. Most nations have monuments or memorials to war, bronze salutations to heroic battles, archways of triumph. But peace has no parade, no pantheon of victory. What it does have is the Nobel Prize — a statement of hope and courage with unique resonance and authority. Only by understanding and addressing the needs of individuals for peace, for dignity, and for security can we at the United Nations hope to live up to the honour conferred today, and fulfil the vision of our founders. This is the broad mission of peace that United Nations staff members carry out every day in every part of the world.”
Kofi Annan (1938–2018) said by 2018 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source