As United Nations (UN) Secretary-General and later Chair of his Foundation, Kofi Annan was called upon to deliver many speeches at major events around the world.
We have selected twenty of Kofi Annan’s speeches for this page, 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.
The list is not exhaustive and any selection is somewhat arbitrary. You can find more Kofi Annan speeches on our website and in UN online archives.
The UN Library & Archives in Geneva has published a series of videos to remember Kofi Annan, his legacy, what has been accomplished since 2001 – when he and the United Nations were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – and what still needs to be achieved.
The speech by Kofi Annan upon reception of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Oslo, December 10, 2001
This speech was made by Kofi Annan at the 2017 Athens Democracy Forum.
Athens, September 14, 2017
The speech by Kofi Annan at the 2017 Junior Chamber International (JCI).
Amsterdam, November 8, 2017
Kofi Annan’s speech on the relationship between religion, pluralism, and democracy.
Bali, December 07, 2016
Andrew Carnegie Distinguished Lecture on Conflict Prevention,
New York, October 24, 2014
Remarks at opening of the Centre on Food Security and the Environment,
Stanford, November 11, 2011
Address on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions,
Geneva, November 9, 2009
Address to both Houses of Parliament to commemorate the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade,
London, May 8, 2007
10 years after – A farewell statement to the General Assembly,
New York, September 19, 2006
Address by Kofi Annan to the African Summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Infectious Diseases,
Abuja, April 26, 2001