USA INTERNATIONAL MEN'S DAY TEAM REMEMBERS THE HONORABLE KOFI ATTA ANNAN, NOBEL PEACE PRIZE LAUREATE AND FORMER UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY-GENERAL

“To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there."

The Honorable Kofi Atta Annan, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former United Nations Secretary-General

Yet again, we are witnessing the passing of another global icon.  Yet again, another brilliant light grows dim.   Saddened by his passing, the USA International Men’s Day Team remembers the life of the late Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former United States Secretary General The Honorable Kofi Atta Annan.  Born on 8 April 1938 in Kumasi, Ghana, Secretary-General Annan tirelessly championed peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law. Heralded as a global statesman, he became the United Nation’s Seventh Secretary-General and served two terms – from 1 January 1997 through 31 December 2006.

Upon accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway in 2001, Secretary-General Annan envisioned three key priorities for the United Nations in the 21^st Century:

“ . . . 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 channeled 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.”

Subsequent to the completion of his second term as Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate created the Kofi Annan Foundation where he continued to work tirelessly to create a peaceful, economically sustainable, and vibrant world.

The USA International Men’s Day Team joins members of the Ghana International Men’s Day Team and souls throughout our global village in mourning the loss of Nobel Peace Prize Laurate and former United Nations Secretary-General The Honorable Kofi Atta Annan.  His compassionate leadership . . . his selflessness, genuine kindness and warmth . . .  the adeptness with which he transcended boundaries . . . his tireless struggle to create a just and peaceful world encompasses his rich legacy – a legacy that leaves an indelible imprint upon our Planet. 

---