The Elders are shocked and deeply saddened at the passing of their dear friend and colleague Kofi Annan, who was the
globally admired and respected Chair of The Elders.
A founding member of The Elders, Kofi Annan succeeded Archbishop Desmond Tutu as Chair in May 2013. He played a vital
role in leading The Elders’ work, and was a voice of great authority and wisdom in public and private, most recently on
visits to South Africa and Zimbabwe in July 2018.
As the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006, he was a constant advocate for human rights,
development and the rule of law. The first Secretary-General to reach the post from within an organisation he served for
over 40 years, Kofi Annan had a life-long commitment to the cause of peace and was known for his staunch opposition to
military aggression, notably the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The great respect for him and his essential work was illustrated when he, together with the United Nations as a whole,
was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.
Gro Harlem Brundtland, Deputy Chair of The Elders, said:
“We are devastated at the loss of our dear friend and fellow Elder. Kofi was a strong and inspiring presence to us all,
and The Elders would not be where it is today without his leadership. Throughout his life, Kofi worked unceasingly to
improve the lives of millions of people around the world. While we mourn his passing today, we resolve as Elders to
continue to uphold his values and legacy into the future”.
In retirement, Kofi Annan continued where he had left off at the United Nations, founding and leading the work of the
Kofi Annan Foundation, based in Geneva, and maintaining a hectic international schedule. His quiet advice on how best to
defuse impending crises was in constant demand from all corners of the globe, in particular from Africa.
All of the Elders and their Advisory Council and staff team members send their heartfelt condolences to Kofi’s family:
his wife Nane, his children and grandchildren. They have lost a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
The world has lost an inspiring figure – but one whose achievements will never be forgotten, and whose commitment to
peace and justice will endure to inspire future generations.
ends