We join the whole world in mourning the loss of a great statesman of our time. More than almost any other Secretary-General, Kofi Annan made the United Nations known as a power for peace and a moral reference point.

With admirable skill, courage and perseverance, Kofi Annan constantly fought to ensure that the international community resolved its problems through mutual cooperation rather than political or military force. At a time of political turbulence around the world, he enhanced the UN’s ability to act and launched important institutional reforms. Until his death, he worked tirelessly to foster peace, sustainable development and a more just world.

More than ever before, the world needs the hard work and dedication of firm believers in multilateralism like Kofi Annan. His voice will be sorely missed.