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I spent my youth and my most formative years in Africa. I left Africa when I was about 20, 21, and when Mo says a great African, I was really moulded by my African experience, although I had the good fortune that by the time I was 24 I had studied and worked on three continents - Africa, the US, and Europe.

Kofi Annan

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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
Time
Says
African
Experience
Africa
Left
Although
Three
Spent
Great
Fortune
Moulded
Years
Worked
Formative
Really
Europe
Continents
Good
Youth
Studied

More quotes by Kofi Annan

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You are never too young to lead.
Kofi Annan
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We had a rule in the school that when you're punished, you carry out the punishment and then complain, which I felt was absolutely unfair: if I'd done it, what was the point of complaining?
Kofi Annan
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Acquiring literacy is an empowering process, enabling millions to enjoy access to knowledge and information which broadens horizons, increases opportunities and creates alternatives for building a better life.
Kofi Annan
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In the rush for justice it is important not to lose sight of principles the country holds dear.
Kofi Annan
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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
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Over time you get to understand the nature of man and the environments you are dealing with, and you can't always allow emotions and temper to flare up because you're displeased with something, or you want to change it.
Kofi Annan
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One of my biggest regrets was the fact that as an institution and an international community we could not stop the war in Iraq. That really was very difficult and very painful. Every fibre in my body felt it was wrong. I spoke to leaders, we spoke to people, we tried... we couldn't stop it... and we see the results.
Kofi Annan
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Both parties accept this vision. But we can reach it only if we move rapidly and in parallel on all fronts. The so-called 'sequential' approach has failed.
Kofi Annan
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Achieving the MDGs is not optional it is an essential investment in a safer, more human and prosperous world
Kofi Annan
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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
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This is an historic step forward in the world's efforts to combat a truly global threat.
Kofi Annan
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Elections with integrity are a challenge everywhere, including in the West.
Kofi Annan
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In a world of plenty, continued suffering is a terrible stain on our conscience. It is inexcusable that we not strive, with every resource at our disposal, to eliminate suffering.
Kofi Annan
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...there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.
Kofi Annan
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We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.
Kofi Annan
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If there is one area where equity is crucial and essential, I think it should be the issue of water.
Kofi Annan
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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
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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
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I think what gives me hope is I have the sense that the people of Kenya have turned the page. They are keen to get a new political dispensation. They are keen to fight corruption and impunity, and in that sense they are leaving the political elite behind.
Kofi Annan
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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