One Young World - Counsellor - Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan shared a Nobel Peace Prize with the UN in 2001 for his efforts in revitalizing the worldwide security organization.

His words on receiving the accolade set out very clearly the interdependence of every individual on earth and the mission and hope of One Young World: "We have entered the third millennium through a gate of fire. If today, after the horror of September 11, we see better and we see further, we will realize that humanity is indivisible."


Kofi Annan is a constant advocate for human rights, the rule of law, the Millennium Development Goals and Africa and he also sought to bring the UN Organization closer to the global public by forging ties with civil society, the private sector and other partners.


He has undertaken wide-ranging, diplomatic initiatives and in 1998, he helped to ease the transition to civilian rule in Nigeria. Also that year, he visited Iraq in an effort to resolve an impasse between that country and the Security Council over compliance with resolutions involving weapons inspections and other matters. In 1999, he was deeply involved in the process by which Timor-Leste gained independence from Indonesia. He was responsible for certifying Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, and in 2006, his efforts contributed to securing a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.



Also in 2006, he mediated a settlement of the dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria over the Bakassi peninsula through implementation of the judgement of the International Court of Justice.