Kofi Atta Annan was a Ghanaian diplomat and international civil servant who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006.

_Early Life and Education_

Born on April 8, 1938, in Kumasi, Ghana, Annan studied at the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi and later earned a Master\'s degree in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

_United Nations Career_

Annan joined the United Nations in 1962, working in various roles:

1. _World Health Organization (WHO)_: Annan served as a administrative officer.
2. _United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)_: He worked as a program officer.
3. _United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF)_: Annan served as a civilian officer.
4. _United Nations Peacekeeping Operations_: He oversaw peacekeeping operations.

_Secretary-General (1997-2006)_

Annan\'s tenure focused on:

1. _Reforming the United Nations_: Streamlining bureaucracy and improving efficiency.
2. _Promoting Peace and Security_: Mediating conflicts and strengthening peacekeeping.
3. _Human Rights_: Advocating for human rights and the rule of law.
4. _Global Health_: Launching initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS and malaria.

_Achievements_

1. _Nobel Peace Prize (2001)_: Awarded jointly to Annan and the United Nations.
2. _Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)_: Annan played a key role in establishing the MDGs.
3. _United Nations Reform_: Annan\'s reforms aimed to increase transparency and accountability.

_Challenges_

1. _Iraq War_: Annan faced criticism for the UN\'s handling of the Iraq crisis.
2. _Oil-for-Food Programme scandal_: Annan\'s administration was criticized for its handling of the programme.

_Legacy_

Annan\'s legacy includes:

1. _Global governance_: Strengthening international cooperation and institutions.
2. _Humanitarian work_: Advocating for human rights and responding to crises.
3. _Sustainable development_: Promoting economic and social development.

_Personal Life_

Annan married:

1. _Titi Alakija (1965-1983)_
2. _Nane Lagergren (1984-2018, his death)_

He had three children.

_Later Life and Death_

After leaving the UN, Annan founded the Kofi Annan Foundation and remained active in international affairs. He passed away on August 18, 2018, at 80.

_Quotes_

1. \"We must ensure that the global market is a source of opportunity, not inequality.\"
2. \"The United Nations is not just a meeting place for nations, but a place where nations can work together.\"

_Books_

1. \"The UN in the 21st Century\" (2000)
2. \"Interventions: A Life in War and Peace\" (2012, with Nader Mousavizadeh)