Quote

I often quote an African proverb that says: The world is not ours, the earth is not ours, It's a treasure we hold in trust for future generations. And I often hope we will be worthy of that trust.

Kofi Annan

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Kofi Annan
Age: 80 †
Born: 1938
Born: April 8
Died: 2018
Died: August 18
Diplomat
Economist
Politician
Coomassie
Kofi Atta Annan
Annan
Kofi A. Annan
Hold
Proverb
Trust
Sustainability
Says
Quote
Future
African
Hope
Treasure
Often
Environmental
Earth
Worthy
World
Generations

More quotes by Kofi Annan

Image
Contrary to popular belief, we do not face a choice between economy and ecology, It is often said that protecting the environment would constrain or even undermine economic growth. In fact, the opposite is true: unless we protect resources and the earth's natural capital, we shall not be able to sustain economic growth.
Kofi Annan
Image
It is extreme arrogance for one to think he...and it's usually he, is the only one who can govern his country and nobody else can do it.
Kofi Annan
Image
Literacy is, finally, the road to human progress and the means through which every man, woman and child can realize his or her full potential.
Kofi Annan
Image
In fact UN is more of a galaxy of organisations and agencies than one machine.
Kofi Annan
Image
Let us work in partnerships between rich and poor to improve the opportunities of all human beings to build better lives.
Kofi Annan
Image
One must also acknowledge that there are moments in an organisation's development when fresh blood and new vision are required, which may imply that an outsider may be better suited to the leadership role.
Kofi Annan
Image
The global work of the United Nations is not without reason compared to that of a family - striving for a common goal in concert with all members for a better future.
Kofi Annan
Image
Education is the great equalizer of our time. It gives hope to the hopeless and creates chances for those without.
Kofi Annan
Image
We have seen recently, almost every major head of state goes to India and says, we believe India should be in the Council. They go back home and do nothing about it. But this cannot be sustained for long. If they want to keep the UN as a global forum where they discuss incidents and take some meaningful decisions, they should [reform].
Kofi Annan
Image
Neutrality is a tough call for the weaker ones.
Kofi Annan
Image
To go to war without the Security Council will not be in conformity with the Council.
Kofi Annan
Image
I was an ordinary boy at school, a young man. In fact, what did the headmaster once say? You're constantly challenging those in authority questioning and challenging those in authority. Which was not really the way I saw it. I felt there were questions that had to be answered, and things that weren't quite right.
Kofi Annan
Image
We need to keep hope alive and strive to do better.
Kofi Annan
Image
Once you are really challenged, you find something in yourself. Man doesn't know what he is capable of until he is asked.
Kofi Annan
Image
Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can be key agents for development and peace. If, however, they are left on society's margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have every opportunity to participate fully in the lives of their societies.
Kofi Annan
Image
I don't see a situation where one side will win militarily, take over Syria, and there will be peace and quiet, a clean victory.
Kofi Annan
Image
When so many lives are at risk, when so much killing is going on, when there's so much chaos and suffering, isn't the risk warranted? ... And if we don't take the risk of coming to the conference, what do we do? We let it continue?
Kofi Annan
Image
You are never too young to lead and you should never doubt your capacity to triumph where others have not.
Kofi Annan
Image
It's not that easy to quit. When you look back in the American system it is very rare that people quit on issues of principle.
Kofi Annan
Image
The United Nations is proud to have the Adopt-A-Minefield Campaign as a partner.
Kofi Annan