Annan, Kofi
| Name |
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| born on | 8 April 1938 | ||
| Place | Kumasi, Ghana, 6n41, 1w35 | ||
| Timezone | GMT h0w (is standard time) | ||
| Data source |
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| Astrology data |   18°00'   or 
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Biography
African politician, the U.N. Secretary for Ghana. Kofi Annan
received the Nobel Peace Prize on 12/10/2001 and has done much to infuse the United Nations with greater sense of purpose, even empowering it to fulfill its mission to humanity. His lecture was inspiring:
... The idea that there is one people in possession of the truth, one answer to the world’s ills, or one solution to humanity’s needs, has done untold harm throughout history – especially in the last century.
Today, however, even amidst continuing ethnic conflict around the world, there is a growing understanding that human diversity is both the reality that makes dialogue necessary, and the very basis for that dialogue.
We understand, as never before, that each of us is fully worthy of the respect and dignity essential to our common humanity. We recognize that we are the products of many cultures, traditions and memories; that
mutual respect allows us to study and learn from other cultures; and that we gain strength by combining the foreign with the familiar...
...People of different religions and cultures live side by side in almost every part of the world, and most of us have overlapping identities which unite us with very different groups. We can love what we are, without hating what – and who – we are not...
... When States undermine the rule of law and violate the rights of their individual citizens, they become a menace not only to their own people, but also to their neighbors, and indeed the world...
... Most nations have monuments or memorials to war, bronze salutations to heroic battles, archways of triumph. But peace has no parade, no pantheon of victory. What it does have is the Nobel Prize – a statement of hope and courage with unique resonance and authority...
... The obstacles to democracy have little to do with culture or religion, and much more to do with the desire of those in power to maintain their position at any cost... People of all cultures value their freedom of choice, and feel the need to have a say in decisions affecting their lives..."
Source Notes
Edith Thayer quotes Encyclopedia Britannica website for date, time unknown, no place, L&L approximate.
Categories
- Vocation : Politics : Public office (U.N. secretary to Ghana)
