Some people might think the United Nations' secretary-general was born to lead. After all, both of his grandfathers were tribal chiefs. But at his birth, no one could have guessed how influential Kofi Annan would someday become.
He was born on April 8, 1938 in Kumasi, Ghana. Annan attended top universities in Ghana, the U.S. and Switzerland. In 1963, he began working for the United Nations. Kofi Annan steadily rose through the ranks. And on January 1, 1997, he became the U.N.'s seventh secretary-general.
As with all leaders, Annan has his critics and supporters. Critics blame him for unwisely trusting leaders such as Saddam Hussein. They also accuse him of providing weak leadership in hot spots like Rwanda.
But supporters praise his accomplishments. Among other thins, they credit him for placing women in key U.N. positions. They also praise him for focusing on AIDS and poverty in Africa.
In 2001, Annan and the U.N. received the Nobel Peace Prize. Annan was recognized for his work towards a better-organized and more peaceful world.
He was born on April 8, 1938 in Kumasi, Ghana. Annan attended top universities in Ghana, the U.S. and Switzerland. In 1963, he began working for the United Nations. Kofi Annan steadily rose through the ranks. And on January 1, 1997, he became the U.N.'s seventh secretary-general.
As with all leaders, Annan has his critics and supporters. Critics blame him for unwisely trusting leaders such as Saddam Hussein. They also accuse him of providing weak leadership in hot spots like Rwanda.
But supporters praise his accomplishments. Among other thins, they credit him for placing women in key U.N. positions. They also praise him for focusing on AIDS and poverty in Africa.
In 2001, Annan and the U.N. received the Nobel Peace Prize. Annan was recognized for his work towards a better-organized and more peaceful world.