Towards a fairer, more peaceful world
Our values
Impartiality, Independence, InclusivenessOur mission
The Kofi Annan Foundation mobilises political will to overcome threats to peace, development and human rights. In most cases the expertise and evidence needed to solve pressing problems such as poverty, armed conflict and poor governance already exist. What holds us back is lack of leadership or political will to identify and deliver solutions. The Foundation mobilises those who are in a position to influence and bring leadership to the world’s most pressing problems.
Board Members
- Kofi Annan
2008-2018Founder and Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation from 2008-2018. Former Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN).
- Elhadj As Sy
Chair of the Board
- Nane Annan
Nutrition advocate, artist, and formerly a lawyer.
- Jenö Staehelin, Outgoing Board Member
Swiss diplomat and lawyer.
- Diego Hidalgo, Outgoing Board Member
Founder and Honorary President of FRIDE, Founder of the Club of Madrid and President of DARA.
- Elisabeth Lindenmayer, Outgoing Board Member
Director of the United Nations Studies Programme at Columbia University’s School of International Public Affairs.
- Michael Møller
Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and the 12th Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.
- Thoraya Obaid, Outgoing Board Member
Former Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and a former Under-Secretary General of the UN.
- Oluseye Oduyemi, Outgoing Board Member
Former Director of Management, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
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 Kofi Annan Foundation seeks to mobilise political will to overcome threats to peace, development and human rights.
How is the Kofi Annan Foundation staffed?
The Foundation has a small secretariat based in Geneva.
How is the Kofi Annan Foundation funded?
The Kofi Annan Foundation is an independent foundation funded by public and private donors. It takes particular care to ensure that funding sources are beyond reproach and that contributions are politically untied. If you would like to support our work, please write to info@kofiannanfoundation.org to find out how to become a donor.
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 to 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 or by post to: Kofi Annan Foundation P.O. Box 157 1211 Geneva 20.
How can I find out about employment opportunities and internships?
Employment opportunities:
Vacancies are posted on our LinkedIn channel: kofiannan.ch/LinkedIn
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 document entitled ‘Schedule 1’.
Download ‘Schedule 1’: https://kofiannan.ch/schedule1
Please note that the Foundation reserves the right to decline a request without qualification.
