Kofi Atta Annan Quotes

You can do a lot with diplomacy, but with diplomacy backed up by force you can get a lot more done.

Kofi Atta Annan

In todays world, the security of every one of us is linked to that of everyone else.

Kofi Atta Annan

I believe we have a responsibility not only to our contemporaries but also to future generations a responsibility to preserve resources that belong to them as well as to us, and without which none of us can survive. That means we must do much more, and urgently, to prevent or slow down climate change. Everyday that we do nothing, or too little, imposes higher costs on our children and our childrens children. Of course, it reminds me of an African proverb the earth is not ours but something we hold in trust for future generations. I hope my generation will be worthy of that trust.

Kofi Atta Annan

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 Atta Annan

We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race. We all share the same basic values.

Kofi Atta Annan

Beneath the surface of states and nations, ideas and language, lies the fate of individual human beings in need. Answering their needs will be the mission of the United Nations in the century to come.

Kofi Atta Annan

It is only through multilateral institutions that States can hold each other to account. And that makes it very important to organize those institutions in a fair and democratic way, giving the poor and the weak some influence over the actions of the rich and the strong.

Kofi Atta Annan

Both security and development ultimately depend on respect for human rights and the rule of law. Although increasingly interdependent, our world continues to be divided not only by economic differences, but also by religion and culture. That is not in itself a problem. Throughout history, human life has been enriched by diversity, and different communities have learnt from each other. But, if our different communities are to live together in peace we must stress also what unites us: our common humanity, and our shared belief that human dignity and rights should be protected by law.

Kofi Atta Annan

In todays world, the security of every one of us is linked to that of everyone else.

Kofi Atta Annan

Scientists tell us that the world of nature is so small and interdependent that a butterfly flapping its wings in the Amazon rainforest can generate a violent storm on the other side of the earth. This principle is known as the "Butterfly Effect." Today, we realize, perhaps more than ever, that the world of human activity also has its own "Butterfly Effect" for better or for worse.

Kofi Atta Annan

The intention was really to do something dignified, something that is honest and reflects the work that this Organization does. And it is with that spirit that the producers and the directors approached their work, and I hope you will all agree they have done that.

Kofi Atta Annan

More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.

Kofi Atta Annan

We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race. We all share the same basic values.

Kofi Atta Annan

Unless the Security Council is restored to its pre-eminent position as the sole source of legitimacy on the use of force, we are on a dangerous path to anarchy.

Kofi Atta Annan

He is very calm very, very calm. Never raises his voice. Well-informed, contrary to the sense outside that he is ill-informed and isolated. And decisive.

Kofi Atta Annan
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