As United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and later Chair of his Foundation, the Kofi Annan Foundation, Kofi Annan was called upon to deliver many speeches at major events worldwide.
We have selected twenty of Kofi Annan’s great speeches, which, taken together, provide a broad understanding of his views on peace, development and human rights. Many of his recommendations for action are as valid and important today as they were when he spoke these words.
This selection of speeches highlights Kofi Annan’s enduring impact on global peace, human rights, and sustainable development. These speeches capture moments when his words guided international policy, inspired change, and rallied people worldwide toward shared goals of peace, justice and ethical leadership.
However, this is by no means an exhaustive collection; Kofi Annan’s contributions were prolific and spanned many critical issues across his distinguished career.
While these speeches offer a window into some of his most influential moments, they represent just a fraction of his lifelong commitment to peace and progress. In choosing these speeches, our aim is not to prioritize one over another but to share a glimpse into the depth and breadth of his vision.
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Kofi Annan’s Great Speeches
Leadership and Governance for the Challenges of the 21st Century
The following is a transcript of the speech given by Kofi Annan at the 2017 Junior Chamber International (JCI). Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure to join you for this year’s JCI World Congress. Let me thank JCI for inviting me to this important event. Standing here in front of so many young […]
The Crisis of Democracy
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan at the 2017 Athens Democracy Forum on 13 September 2017. Your Excellency, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, let me start by thanking the New York Times for inviting me to this conference here in Greece, the ancient cradle of […]
Religion, Pluralism, and Democracy
Mr. President, Excellences, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege to speak to you today on one of the most important issues of our time: the relationship between religion, pluralism, and democracy. Let me say at the outset that I believe that religion, pluralism and democracy are not incompatible. To the contrary, I […]
“The New World Disorder: Challenges for the UN in the 21st Century"
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan at the Andrew Carnegie Distinguished Lecture on Conflict Prevention, New York, October 24, 2014. I am delighted to be here this evening to deliver this lecture, which honours David Hamburg. At the outset of my first term as Secretary General, the Carnegie Commission under David’s leadership published […]
Food Security is a Global Challenge
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan at the opening of the Centre on Food Security and the Environment Stanford, November 11, 2011. Thank you for the kind words and warm welcome. I am honoured to have been invited to mark the opening of the Centre on Food Security and the Environment. The challenges you […]
Gabriel Silver Memorial Lecture: 'Climate change – the leadership challenge of our time'
Former UN Secretary-General warns “time is running out” and says “leadership has never been more needed than it will be in the coming weeks and months”. Kofi Annan calls on the world’s political leaders to demonstrate the vision and courage to reach a post-Kyoto agreement which is global, effective and fair, with climate justice at […]
An appeal to our common humanity
This speech was originally made on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Geneva, November 9, 2009. Mme Foreign Minister Calmy Rey, State Councillor Moutinot, Mayor Pagani, President Kellenberger, Excellences, ladies and gentleman, I am honoured to be here and for this chance to celebrate and reflect on the 60th Anniversary of […]
'Multilateralism – Today's Imperative'
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan to the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, in Oslo, Norway, July 14, 2009. “Co-operation is no longer a choice but a clear imperative” – Kofi Annan warns that the world’s most pressing challenges can only be overcome through multilateral solutions. I am honoured to be with you […]
Kofi Annan's remarks at the Obafemi Awolowo Centenary Celebrations, 'Africa in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities'
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan at the Obafemi Awolowo Centenary Celebrations, Lagos, Nigeria, July 14, 2009. Kofi Annan calls on Africa to take greater responsibility for its own problems and solutions. Ambassador (Hamzat) Ahmudu, Your Royal Majesty/Highness, distinguished friends. I am honoured to be with you today to help mark the centenary of […]
‘Sovereignty – The State and the Individual’
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan to the Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsman Conference, Stockholm, Sweden, June 9, 2009. “Sovereignty shared is not sovereignty given up. The collective interest in the new century is also a national interest if we are to find fair, effective and lasting solutions.” I am very pleased to be in […]
The battle is never finally won
This address was originally made by Kofi Annan to both Houses of Parliament to commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade, in London, May 8, 2007. My Lord Chancellor, Mr. Speaker, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen Two hundred years ago this Parliament voted to abolish the slave trade in the countries – […]
Nuclear weapons, the greatest danger of all
Following is the text of the lecture by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan at Princeton University, he called for progress on both nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, 28 November 2006. Let me begin by saying how delighted I am to have been invited to give this address by a School named after Woodrow Wilson, the great pioneer of […]
10 years after – A farewell statement to the General Assembly
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan at the General Assembly in New York, September 19, 2006. Madam President, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, When I first spoke to you from this podium, in 1997, it seemed to me that humanity faced three great challenges. One was to ensure that globalization would benefit the human […]
‘We stand or fall together’
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan to the 2005 World Summit in New York, September 14, 2005 SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES REFORM PROCESS FORWARD IN WORLD SUMMIT ADDRESS, SAYING ‘WE STAND OR FALL TOGETHER’ IN FACING CRUCIAL CHALLENGES Following is UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s address to the 2005 World Summit in New York, 14 September: Two […]
Nobel Lecture delivered by Kofi Annan
Kofi Annan’s speech upon reception of the Nobel Peace Prize, Oslo, December 10, 2001. Your Majesties, Your Royal Highnesses, Excellencies,Members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Ladies and Gentlemen, Today, in Afghanistan, a girl will be born. Her mother will hold her and feed her, comfort her and care for her – just as any mother would anywhere […]
Putting care and treatment within everyone’s reach
This address was originally made by Kofi Annan to the African Summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Infectious Diseases, in Abuja, April 26, 2001. President Obasanjo, our gracious host, President Eyadema, Chairman of the OAU, Salim Salim, Secretary-General of the OAU, Excellencies, my dear friends, This is a conference about Africa’s future. The incidence of […]
Building a partnership for girls’ education
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan to the World Education Forum, in Dakar, April 26, 2000. SECRETARY-GENERAL ADDRESSES WORLD EDUCATION FORUM ON THEME OF “BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP FOR GIRLS” EDUCATION” Je vous remercie Monsieur le Président. Il est encourageant de voir que tant d’États participent à cette importante manifestation, et à un niveau […]
Global Compact with Business
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan to World Economic Forum in Davos, on 31 January 1999. I am delighted to join you again at the World Economic Forum. This is my third visit in just over two years as Secretary-General of the United Nations. On my previous visits, I told you of my […]
On Intervention
This speech was originally made by Kofi Annan at the 35th Annual Ditchley Foundation Lecture, in Ditchley Park, June 26, 1998. SECRETARY-GENERAL REFLECTS ON ‘INTERVENTION’ IN THIRTY-FIFTH ANNUAL DITCHLEY FOUNDATION LECTURE It is a great honour for me to be asked to give the thirty-fifth annual Ditchley Foundation Lecture. I have carefully perused the list of […]
Our Enemy Is Indifference
Remarks originally made by Kofi Annan at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, in Boston, June 06, 1997. IN REMARKS AT KENNEDY LIBRARY, KOFI ANNAN RECALLS PRESIDENT’S WORDS IN INAUGURAL ADDRESS — TO UN ‘WE RENEW OUR PLEDGE OF SUPPORT’ Secretary-General Stresses ‘Our Enemy Is Indifference’, Belief That There Are Many Worlds ‘And That Only One […]
“Any society that does not succeed in tapping into the energy and creativity of its youth will be left behind.”
Kofi Annan