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alexk
Guest
Late former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan championed issues at the UN including promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women which are aligned with the priorities of UN members, including T&T, at the multilateral level.
The Office of Prime Minister stated this yesterday in a release on the passing of the former UN secretary general and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
He was a described as a champion of humanity. The UN’s first black Secretary General, Annan, 80, died in Switzerland after a brief illness on Saturday. The OPM noted Annan’s priorities also included peace and security, development, poverty reduction, combating climate change, preventing the spread of infectious diseases, combating terrorism as well as the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.
“His legacy includes agreement to the Millennium Development Goals and the United Nations’ confrontation of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Mr Annan played a significant role in advancing the ideals of the United Nations through the promotion of an agenda of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.”
“T&T not only shares the loss of Mr Annan with the world but particularly with the African region and countries of the Global South. It is a source of pride Mr Annan was a prominent African multilateralist of Ghanaian descent who rose through the ranks of the United Nations to lead the organisation for two terms from 1997 to 2006.”
“Kofi Annan infused his service to the world as UN Secretary-General with selfless commitment to the empowerment of all people, equality, the promotion of human rights, justice and peace. During his tenure, he met the challenges of the Office boldly, addressing various issues and crises facing the world with diplomatic acumen and compassion, bringing to bear his experience within the UN system to yield the best possible outcome in every situation.”