Kofi Annan, the Ghanaian diplomat who made history as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2018. Beyond his financial standing, Annan is remembered as one of the most respected global leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries, championing peace, human rights, and international cooperation. His life’s work left an indelible mark on the world, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.
| Kofi Annan Net Worth | $5 Million |
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1938 |
| Place of Birth | Kumasi, Ghana |
| Nationality | Ghanaian |
| Profession | Diplomat |
Early Life
Kofi Atta Annan was born on April 8, 1938, in Kumasi, Ghana, into an influential family. His name “Kofi” means “born on a Friday” in Akan. Annan grew up during a time when Ghana was moving toward independence, an experience that would shape his commitment to global justice and development.
He pursued higher education in Ghana and later abroad, studying economics at Macalester College in Minnesota, international relations at the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and management at the MIT Sloan School of Management. His education prepared him for a distinguished career in international diplomacy.
Rise in the United Nations
Annan joined the United Nations in the early 1960s and rose through the ranks over several decades, working in areas such as human resources, peacekeeping, and security. His deep knowledge of the organization and its inner workings set him apart as a leader from within the UN system.
In 1997, Annan became the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, making history as the first person to be elected to the position from the UN staff itself. His appointment marked a turning point for the institution, as he promised reforms and greater transparency.
Achievements as Secretary-General
As Secretary-General, Annan focused on revitalizing the UN through reforms, improving its peacekeeping operations, and strengthening its role in development. He championed human rights, equality, tolerance, and the rule of law, bringing the UN closer to the people it served.
One of his landmark achievements came in 2001 when Annan and the United Nations were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize “for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world.” This recognition cemented his status as a global statesman dedicated to justice and peace.
Global Leadership
After his UN tenure ended in 2006, Annan remained active in international affairs. He became the Chairman of The Elders, a group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela to promote peace and human rights.
In 2012, Annan was appointed as the UN–Arab League Joint Special Representative for Syria, where he sought a resolution to the country’s civil conflict. Frustrated by political deadlock and lack of progress, he resigned, famously remarking that when the Syrian people “desperately need action, there continues to be finger-pointing and name-calling in the Security Council.”
Personal Life
Annan was married to Nane Maria Annan, a Swedish lawyer and artist, and together they shared a blended family. Despite his relatively modest net worth of $5 million, Annan’s true wealth lay in his influence, his legacy of peace, and the respect he garnered worldwide.
He passed away on August 18, 2018, at the age of 80.
Kofi Annan Net Worth
Kofi Annan net worth was $5 million.
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