Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan was born in Ghana, a country in Africa, in 1938. He became the seventh leader of the United Nations, which is a group of countries that work together for peace. He was the first person from sub-Saharan Africa to hold that job. He worked hard to stop wars and help people in need.

Early Life

Kofi grew up in Ghana and loved to study. He went to college in the United States and in Switzerland. He started working for the United Nations when he was a young man. He slowly moved up to bigger and bigger jobs.

Kofi Annan meeting with a world leader at the United Nations.
Kofi Annan meeting with a world leader at the United Nations. (Presidential Press and Information Office / Wikimedia Commons)

Leader for Peace

Annan became the head of the UN in 1997. He helped fight sickness like AIDS in Africa. He also helped poor children get food and go to school. Many people admired him for his kind words and calm ways.

Fun Facts

  • He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.
  • He spoke English, French, and two African languages.
  • Kofi means born on a Friday in his home language.

Did You Know?

Kofi Annan had a twin sister named Efua, which is an African tradition to give twins special names.