The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres in a glowing tribute to his departing former colleague, Kofi Annan, lauded him for his record as an advocate for humanity and world peace.
In his address, during the final funeral rites of Mr Annan, Mr Guterres described Kofi Annan as a father and mentor who counselled him on international affairs and how to promote world peace and work for humanity.
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“His tenure was highly dynamic. He pioneered new ideas and initiatives, including the elaboration of the Millennium Development Goals; the comprehensive reform proposals set out to in his landmark report, In Larger Freedom; and the conceptual underpinnings of the “responsibility to protect” people from grave violations of human rights-…” part Guterres’s tribute read.
Around 6,000 mourners were at the Accra International Conference Centre auditorium for Thursday’s funeral service.
Read his full tribute below:
“Kofi Anna was a guiding force for good. During the tumultuous era in which he led the United Nations, he combined compassion, commitment and diplomatic skill to bring the Organization closer to the world’s people, build the foundations of peace and give life to the values of the Charter.
In many ways, Kofi Annan was the United Nations. He served for decades, rising through the ranks. His knowledge of the Organization was unparalleled, his bond with the staff unique.
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His tenure was highly dynamic. He pioneered new ideas and initiatives, including the elaboration of the Millennium Development Goals; the comprehensive reform proposals set out to in his landmark report, In Larger Freedom; and the conceptual underpinnings of the “responsibility to protect” people from grave violations of human rights. He brought new partners into the UN firmament, galvanising the corporate sustainability movement as well as ground-breaking efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and other deadly diseases. He spoke passionately about our common humanity, underscoring the moral dimension of the work of the United Nations. And when the international community failed or fell short, he was not afraid to engage in painful self-scrutiny if that meant strengthening the United Nations for the future.
I had the honour to work with Kofi from many perspectives. When I was Prime Minister of Portugal, we weathered many of the same global storms, from the wars in the Balkans to conflicts in Africa to the ultimately successful struggle of Timor-Leste for self-determination. Later, I was deeply honoured by his trust in selecting me to serve as UN High Commissioner for Refugees. In now occupying the office he one held, I turned to him for his insights and wisdom. Indeed, his post-UN career as leader of The Elders was filled with wide-ranging endeavours on the frontlines of diplomacy – easing electoral tensions in Kenya, striving to end the brutality in Syria and advancing sound recommendations for addressing the plight and ensuring the rights of the Rohingyas in Myanmar.
I and so many others have lost a friend. The world has lost a standard-bearer of global cooperation. The United Nations has lost an embodiment of its mission.
May Kofi rest in peace. 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…”