The world has lost a strong voice for peace and reconciliation. It was with huge sadness I received the news today about Kofi Annan's passing. The peace prize winner and former UN Secretary-General died on Saturday, 18 August, 80 years old. He died after a short period of being sick.
Kofi Annan lived a long life to make the world a better place, and I have closely witnessed how important his efforts have been. He was without doubt a global statesman and an unusually warm person.
Throughout his life, Kofi has worked unstoppable to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide. He was a leader of The Elders Organisation, consisting of former heads of state from various countries including Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland (first women and youngest Prime Minister in Norway), Mary Robinson (first woman President of Ireland) and former presidents and prime ministers from Chile, Mexico, Finland, Switzerland etc.
In July 2017, I was invited to attend a dinner with The Elders in Cape Town, South Africa in relation to the 10th anniversary of The Elders, and the launch of the #WalkTogether campaign in relation to the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela in 2018. At that time, Kofi could not attend the dinner due to his participation in peace talks in Myanmar. His wife, Nana Annan, attended the dinner and she is an equally wonderful and warm person like Kofi.
Kofi was undoubtedly the father of the set measures of sustainable goals and he was the brain behind new human rights efforts in the UN. I will always remember and appreciate the good, educational and inclusive conversations I've had with Kofi Annan. I strongly believe that the world will continue to become a better place with the legacy Kofi leaves behind, and that work The Elders will continue in his spirit.
#WalkTogether celebrates ethical #leadership, courageous #conversations, #solidarity, #compassion and #empathy and promotes the importance of freedoms of #peace, #health, #education, #inclusivity and #equality.