Former United Nations Chief Kofi Annan Was ‘a Guiding Force for Good’, Secretary-General Says as Organization Mourns His Passing

The following statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres was issued today:

Kofi Annan was 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 United Nations 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.