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GENEVA, 2 June 2026. The Kofi Annan Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Katie Sams as its new Executive Director. Ms Sams will succeed Ms Corinne Momal-Vanian, who is stepping down after six years of service with the Foundation. Ms Sams brings extensive experience in international humanitarian and peacebuilding…
Katie Sams named Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation
GENEVA, 2 June 2026. The Kofi Annan Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Katie Sams as its new Executive Director. Ms Sams will succeed Ms Corinne Momal-Vanian, who is stepping down after six years of service with the Foundation. Ms Sams brings extensive experience in international humanitarian and peacebuilding organisations. Most recently, she served as Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer at the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, after more than two decades with the International Committee of the Red Cross in a range of senior leadership positions. Earlier in her career, she focused on African peace…
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On June 2 2026, young participants in the Rooting for the Future initiative will present community projects inspired by Tripoli’s shared heritage following a 15-month-long programme focused on heritage conservation, youth empowerment, and social cohesion. TRIPOLI, LEBANON, 28 May 2026. Young people in Tripoli are using cultural heritage to strengthen social cohesion…
Youth in Tripoli use Shared Heritage to Strengthen Social Cohesion
On June 2 2026, young participants in the Rooting for the Future initiative will present community projects inspired by Tripoli’s shared heritage following a 15-month-long programme focused on heritage conservation, youth empowerment, and social cohesion. TRIPOLI, LEBANON, 28 May 2026. Young people in Tripoli are using cultural heritage to strengthen social cohesion and create new opportunities amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic and social crisis. In 2025, the Kofi Annan Foundation, in collaboration with Fight for Humanity, Permanent Peace Movement, IECD – Semeurs d’Avenir, and the Directorate General of Antiquities, launched Rooting for the Future. The project, made possible by support from…
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The Kofi Annan Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Kojo Annan, John Nagulendran and Neha Sanghrajka to the Board of the Kofi Annan Foundation in 2025. Kojo Annan is an entrepreneur and investor with an extensive global network and strong track record of growing new businesses across international markets. “It…
Kofi Annan Foundation Announces Three New Board Members
The Kofi Annan Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Kojo Annan, John Nagulendran and Neha Sanghrajka to the Board of the Kofi Annan Foundation in 2025. Kojo Annan is an entrepreneur and investor with an extensive global network and strong track record of growing new businesses across international markets. “It is a great privilege to join the board of the Kofi Annan Foundation and contribute to advancing its vital work. My father’s lifelong commitment to peace, justice, and multilateralism continues to inspire me, and I am deeply invested in ensuring that his vision remains impactful for generations to…
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This news release originally appeared on the website of the Elders. The Elders today condemned the decision of the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council as an alarming act of isolationism that will make it harder to defend the rights and dignity of vulnerable people worldwide. Kofi…
The Elders condemn US withdrawal from UN Human Rights Council
This news release originally appeared on the website of the Elders. The Elders today condemned the decision of the United States to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council as an alarming act of isolationism that will make it harder to defend the rights and dignity of vulnerable people worldwide. Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders and former UN Secretary-General, said: “The Human Rights Council is an integral part of the international system that helps protect fundamental rights and values. I deplore the US withdrawal, which stands at odds with its historic traditions and sends a signal to others…
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IMD’s Orchestrating Winning Performance welcomes Kofi Annan The former UN leader calls for pressure on politicians to anticipate change By Michèle Laird for IMD business school New systems of governance are required to not only meet, but anticipate, the needs of a changing world. That was one of the messages Kofi Annan,…
IMD’s Orchestrating Winning Performance Welcomes Kofi Annan
IMD’s Orchestrating Winning Performance welcomes Kofi Annan The former UN leader calls for pressure on politicians to anticipate change By Michèle Laird for IMD business school New systems of governance are required to not only meet, but anticipate, the needs of a changing world. That was one of the messages Kofi Annan, the 7th Secretary General of the United Nations and Chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation gave to business leaders at IMD’s Orchestrating Winning Performance program. For the business leaders attending, Annan pointed out that the private sector has an important role to play in energizing politicians into action.…
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IOC President presents Olympic Order to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Lausanne – International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach presented Kofi Annan with the Olympic Order in Gold today during an official visit by the former United Nations Secretary-General to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne. Mr. Annan was awarded the…
Olympic Order in Gold awarded to Kofi Annan
IOC President presents Olympic Order to former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Lausanne – International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach presented Kofi Annan with the Olympic Order in Gold today during an official visit by the former United Nations Secretary-General to the IOC headquarters in Lausanne. Mr. Annan was awarded the Olympic Order in 2007 but due to his busy schedule was unable to attend an award ceremony until today. “The Olympic spirit is something that has been with me for a long time,” Mr Annan said during the presentation. “Sport is a great education. Some of the things…
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The Financial Times A man of unique authority, Mandela set a very high standard for us to attain, says Kofi Annan. This article by Kofi Annan appeared in the comment section of the Financial Times on Saturday 7 December 2013. Nelson Mandela led a singular life of sacrifice, dignity and political genius…
Africans must walk to freedom in Mandela’s memory
The Financial Times A man of unique authority, Mandela set a very high standard for us to attain, says Kofi Annan. This article by Kofi Annan appeared in the comment section of the Financial Times on Saturday 7 December 2013. Nelson Mandela led a singular life of sacrifice, dignity and political genius that brought about the peaceful end of one of the great evils of modern times. The most important lesson he leaves us with, however, is not about the promise of visionary leadership. Rather, I believe, it is about the potential within each of us individually – men, women,…
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The Guardian (UK) http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/09/international-criminal-court-kofi-annan "Justice delayed is justice denied. The people of Kenya want to see concrete progress on impunity. Without such progress, the reconciliation between ethnic groups and the long-term stability of Kenya is in jeopardy" – Kofi Annan Kofi Annan has given the International Criminal Court a sealed envelope with…
Annan hands ICC list of perpetrators of post-election violence in Kenya
The Guardian (UK) http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/09/international-criminal-court-kofi-annan "Justice delayed is justice denied. The people of Kenya want to see concrete progress on impunity. Without such progress, the reconciliation between ethnic groups and the long-term stability of Kenya is in jeopardy" – Kofi Annan Kofi Annan has given the International Criminal Court a sealed envelope with the names of the main suspects responsible for Kenya’s post-election violence last year. Kofi Annan has given the International Criminal Court a sealed envelope with the names of the main suspects responsible for Kenya’s post-election violence last year. The list of about a dozen people includes at least…
