Citation
The world’s number one civil servant for a decade, a quintessential diplomat, highly respected statesman, and advocate for global peace, His Excellency, Dr. Kofi Annan joined the United Nations system in 1962 and rose steadily through the ranks to become its first Sub-Saharan African Chief Executive Officer.
The first two-term incumbent of the position of United Nations Secretary-General, Dr. Kofi Annan’s tenure witnessed tremendous improvements in the promotion and sustenance of global peace and progress. He introduced a comprehensive programme of reform to revitalise the UN, strengthening its capabilities in maintaining international peace and security and fostering sustainable development. In the process, the UN became more transparent, coherent, and accountable to its Member States.
Reforming the United Nations
Our Celebrant devoted much effort and resources to restructuring the organisation to make it serve the needs of the global community in a more efficient and sustainable manner. Among other measures, he established the position of Deputy Secretary-General and also endeavoured to reduce excessive bureaucracy within the organisation. Interestingly, the incumbent Deputy Secretary-General of the UN is our own dear Ambassador Amina Mohammed, also a Hallmarks of Labour Role Model Award recipient.
Similarly, his focus on human rights advocacy enhanced respect for the rule of law and restoration of public confidence in the UN system. His establishment of the United Nations Human Rights Council is very illustrative, as it carries out investigations across the world regarding violations of human rights and other issues, including LGBT rights, freedom of belief and religion, and the rights of ethnic and racial minorities, among others.
Advancing Global Development and Human Rights
With the launch of the UN Global Compact, our Celebrant played a crucial role in the UN’s efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS scourge, particularly in vulnerable parts of Africa.
One of his unique management styles was collaborating with many civil society and private organisations to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS, promote human rights, end or alleviate hunger, and enhance the rule of law. Our Celebrant was a key factor in the establishment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The foundational Millennium Summit in September 2000 attracted leaders from around the world to ratify about 60 goals structured into 15 major categories pertaining to the promotion of human rights, reduction of extreme hunger and poverty, especially in Africa, advancement of gender equality, peace-building, and sustainable economic development for all countries.
Building Consensus and International Cooperation
Indeed, a major component of his legacy was his ability to build consensus owing to his multinational and open-dialogue approach to running the organisation. He not only strengthened the relationship between the UN and its Member States but also boosted ties among Member States.
Working hard to bridge the digital divide, Dr. Kofi Annan helped establish the United Nations Information and Communication Technologies Task Force to extend and create digital opportunities for all, especially people in developing countries.
Global Recognition and Enduring Legacy
Such was his role as Secretary-General that in 2001, Dr. Kofi Annan and the United Nations received the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in promoting peace and human rights.
In his official capacities and personal interventions, his contributions to global peace and diplomacy have left a lasting impact on the world. He established the Kofi Annan Foundation to work on international development and promote lasting peace and inclusive governance.
Honours have literally flowed in. In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize, for promoting unity and peace in Europe, he received the biannual Peace of Westphalia Prize in 2008. He was Chairman of the Prize Committee of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership for 11 years and Co-Chair of The Elders, an international NGO of renowned former world leaders, statesmen, human rights activists, and peace campaigners.
In 2007, he established the Kofi Annan Foundation, a nonprofit organisation committed to promoting peace, human rights, the rule of law, and sustainable development worldwide. In the same vein, the Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT was established in December 2003—a Ghana–India partnership that seeks to enhance ICT learning and development in Ghana and the West African sub-region at large.
Conclusion
Dr. Kofi Annan passed on August 18, 2018, at the age of 80.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is our privilege to invite the Representative of the Republic of Ghana to receive the Hallmarks of Labour Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of an Icon in Global Leadership, His Excellency, Dr. Kofi Annan.