Towards a fairer, more peaceful worldOur mission is to help build peaceful, democratic and resilient societies.
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 comprises prominent personalities from the public and private sectors, and we have a small, agile team based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Inclusion, diversity, gender equality, and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do.
What we do:
Within our core work areas of peace, youth empowerment, democracy and international cooperation, we:
- bring experts together to address global challenges,
- facilitate transitions to peace and promote dialogue and reconciliation to build trust,
- put forward recommendations to governments, civil society and business to protect democracy,
- create and select initiatives that promote Kofi Annan’s values.
How we work:
The Kofi Annan 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 that 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.
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 United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
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
Special Advisors
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 Kofi 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.
See our 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[at]kofiannanfoundation.org
Does the Kofi Annan Foundation award grants or scholarships?
As a non-grant-making Foundation, The Kofi Annan Foundation does not make grants nor award scholarships, grants or funding to outside projects.
How can I invite the Kofi Annan Foundation to attend or participate in an event?
Invitations can be sent by email at info[at]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[at]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 the Kofi Annan Foundation 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 on theUsage Request page
Please note that the Foundation reserves the right to decline a request without qualification.
