Towards a fairer, more peaceful world
Our mission
The Kofi Annan Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organization, established in Switzerland in 2007 by the late former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Our Board is composed of prominent personalities from the public and private sectors and we have a small team based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Our goal:
The Kofi Annan Foundation works to create a fairer and more peaceful world, where no one is left behind, democratic principles and the rule of law are upheld, and divides are bridged through dialogue and international cooperation.
How we work:
The Foundation works closely with partners from international and regional organizations, foundations, universities and civil society. We channel expertise, convene all stakeholders around the table and forge coalitions of trusted influence which can make change happen.
How we are funded:
We are funded by public and private donors and take particular care to ensure funding sources are beyond reproach and that contributions are politically untied. Inclusion, diversity, gender equality, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.
Board Members
Founding Chair: 2008-2018 
Founder and Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation from 2008-2018. Former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).
Chair of the Board
Former Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Board Member
Canadian lawyer, prosecutor and jurist. Former Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for International Migration.
Board Member
Samson is a lawyer from Nigeria and Founder of Yiaga Africa, an NGO whose mission is to promote democracy in Africa.
Board Member
A former Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Korea, Ms Kang was previously United Nations Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator and Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. She is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of International Studies at Ewha Womans University.
Board Member
Swiss politician and lawyer, and was a member of the Swiss Federal Council between 2006 and 2018. She was elected as President of the Swiss Confederation for 2010 and 2017.
Board Member
Former Foreign Minister of Argentina, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Field Support and former chief operating officer and Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme.
Board Member
President of International, Bank of America and Chief Executive Officer, Merrill Lynch International.
Board Member
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the 12th Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Board Member
Former Senior Partner of Swiss multinational private bank Pictet & Cie and former President of Fondation pour Genève.
Team Members
Where the money goes
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to know more about Kofi Annan…
Kofi Annan was the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations (1997-2006), and was the first Secretary-General to emerge from the ranks of United Nations staff. In 2001 Kofi Annan and the United Nations were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. Read Mr. Annan’s full biography
When was the Kofi Annan Foundation created?
The Kofi Annan Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organisation, legally incorporated in Switzerland in 2007 by Mr. Annan.
What is the mission of the Kofi Annan Foundation?
The mission of the Kofi Annan Foundation is to help build peaceful, democratic and resilient societies.
How is the Kofi Annan Foundation staffed?
The Foundation has a small secretariat based in Geneva.
Go to Team Members on this page
How is the Kofi Annan Foundation funded?
The Kofi Annan Foundation is an independent foundation funded by public and private donors. We take particular care to ensure funding sources are beyond reproach and that contributions are politically untied.
If you would like to support our work and become a donor, please email us at info@kofiannanfoundation.org
Does the Kofi Annan Foundation award grants or scholarships?
The Kofi Annan Foundation does not make grants and does not award scholarships, grants or funding to outside projects.
How can I invite the Kofi Annan Foundation to attend or participate in an event?
Invitations should be sent by email at info@kofiannanfoundation.org, or by post to
Kofi Annan Foundation P.O. Box 157 1211 Geneva 20
I am a journalist and would like to request an interview with someone at the Kofi Annan Foundation
Media requests should be sent to media@kofiannanfoundation.org
How can I find out about employment opportunities and internships?
Any open positions will be advertised on our website under the category ‘work with us’ and shared on our LinkedIn page
How can I apply to use the trademarked name, Kofi Annan?
As was the wish of Kofi Annan, his foundation the Kofi Annan Foundation is committed to protecting his legacy and honouring and promoting his values. As such, and in conjunction with his family, the Foundation has taken steps and secured rights (including trademarks) to protect the name “Kofi Annan” to ensure that the use of the name does not negatively impact the reputation, image or values of Mr. Kofi Annan.
We acknowledge, however, that other institutions or organisations may wish to honour the late Kofi Annan by using his name in relation to projects or initiatives and therefore anybody who wishes to make use of the name “Kofi Annan” is invited to submit a request to the foundation based on the information shared in the
