Quote

Some have suggested that ideally there must be some international body that would treat areas like the Arctic as a global commerce, a bit like the way we treat the sea. It doesn't belong to any particular country, but to all of us, but I'm not sure some of the powerful are ready for that sort of solution.

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
Like
Sure
Solutions
Arctic
Powerful
International
Suggested
Doesn
Areas
Commerce
Body
Sea
Solution
Country
Ready
Belong
Must
Particular
Treat
Way
Bits
Treats
Would
Sort
Global
Ideally

More quotes by Kofi Annan

Image
I hope we do not see another Iraq-type operation for a long time - without UN approval and much broader support from the international community.
Kofi Annan
Image
We tend to look at countries in terms of failed states and functioning states, which is rather simplistic.
Kofi Annan
Image
Democracy is, in essence, a form of non-violent conflict management. If war is the worst enemy of development, healthy and balanced development is the best form of conflict prevention.
Kofi Annan
Image
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
Image
Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.
Kofi Annan
Image
Achieving the MDGs is not optional it is an essential investment in a safer, more human and prosperous world
Kofi Annan
Image
You have to develop a certain healthy distance to allow you to keep a clear head, to be able to analyse the situation, lead your team, and move forward with them, because there are times if I'm not careful... if you get too involved, it will consume you it will consume you, and you will not be good to your team the issues you are dealing with.
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
We must bring a message of solidarity, of mutual respect and, above all, of hope. Business cannot afford to be seen as the problem.
Kofi Annan
Image
The United Nations believes that acceptance of these principles will help the Palestinian people achieve their legitimate goal of an end to occupation and the creation of an independent and viable state, living in peace and security with its neighbors.
Kofi Annan
Image
To build a more healthy, peaceful and equitable world the classrooms of the world have to be full of girls as well as boys.
Kofi Annan
Image
You can do a lot with diplomacy, but with diplomacy backed up by force you can get a lot more done.
Kofi Annan
Image
Access to safe water is a fundamental human need and therefore a basic human right.
Kofi Annan
Image
Professional accountants should use that influence to encourage the companies they serve to think long term and integrate sustainable development goals into their accounting, such as by including a natural capital account, which I have heard is gaining ground.
Kofi Annan
Image
Sometimes in peacekeeping operations you show force in order not to use force - people realise that there's a pushback and there's a solid force there that's not going to be pushed around, that sometimes helps.
Kofi Annan
Image
I have always believed that on important issues, the leaders must lead. Where the leaders fail to lead, and people are really concerned about it, the people will take the lead and make the leaders follow.
Kofi Annan
Image
When the US withdrew their troops from Somalia, I recall making a comment that [in] the way the peacekeepers had been withdrawn from Somalia, the impression had been given that the easiest way to unravel a peacekeeping operation is to kill a few soldiers.
Kofi Annan
Image
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
Image
These divisions in the international community - the Syrians bear quite a lot of the blame, but we have enabled it by the divisions between us.
Kofi Annan
Image
The number one goal in resolving a conflict is to make sure both sides maintain their self-esteem. You don't hit a man on the head when you've got your fingers between his teeth.
Kofi Annan