Editing Kofi Annan (section)

== United Nations Secretary-General (1997–2006) ==

=== Appointment ===
{{Main|1996 United Nations Secretary-General selection}}

In 1996, Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali ran unopposed for a second term. Although he won 14 of the 15 votes on the Security Council, he was vetoed by the United States.<ref>{{cite news |last = Crossette |first = Barbara |title = Round One in the U.N. Fight: A U.S. Veto of Boutros-Ghali |url = https://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/20/world/round-one-in-the-un-fight-a-us-veto-of-boutros-ghali.html |newspaper = The New York Times |date = 20 November 1996 |access-date = 9 October 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171009144527/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/11/20/world/round-one-in-the-un-fight-a-us-veto-of-boutros-ghali.html |archive-date=9 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> After four deadlocked meetings of the Security Council, Boutros-Ghali suspended his candidacy, becoming the only secretary-general ever to be denied a second term. Annan was the leading candidate to replace him, beating [[Amara Essy]] by one vote in the first round. However, France vetoed Annan four times before finally abstaining. The UN Security Council recommended Annan on 13 December 1996.<ref>{{cite press release |title = BIO/3051 – "Kofi Annan of Ghana recommended by Security Council for appointment as Secretary-General of United Nations" |publisher=United Nations |date = 13 December 1996 |url = https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/1996/19961213.bio3051.html |access-date = 12 December 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080618062625/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/1996/19961213.bio3051.html |archive-date = 18 June 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Traub|2006|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bestintentionsko00trau/page/66 66]–67}} Confirmed four days later by the vote of the General Assembly,<ref>{{cite press release |title = GA/9208 -"General Assembly appoints Kofi Annan of Ghana as seventh Secretary-General" |publisher=United Nations |date=17 December 1996 |url = https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/1996/19961217.ga9208.html |access-date = 12 December 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080618062628/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/1996/19961217.ga9208.html|archive-date = 18 June 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> he started his first term as secretary-general on 1 January 1997.

Due to Boutros-Ghali's overthrow, a second Annan term would give Africa the office of Secretary-General for three consecutive terms. In 2001, the [[Asia-Pacific Group]] agreed to support Annan for a second term in return for the [[African Group]]'s support for an Asian secretary-general in the [[2006 United Nations Secretary-General selection|2006 selection]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sievers |first1=Loraine |last2=Daws |first2=Sam |chapter = Chapter 7 Section 5b |chapter-url = https://www.scprocedure.org/chapter-7-section-5b |title = The Procedure of the UN Security Council, 4th Edition |access-date = 9 October 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171009193821/https://www.scprocedure.org/chapter-7-section-5b |archive-date=9 October 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Security Council recommended Annan for a second term on 27 June 2001, and the General Assembly approved his reappointment on 29 June 2001.<ref>{{cite press release |title=General Assembly Adopts Security Council Resolution to Appoint Kofi Annan to Further Term as Secretary-General |url = https://www.un.org/press/en/2001/ga9889.doc.htm |publisher=United Nations |date=29 June 2001 |language=en |access-date=9 October 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171009154332/https://www.un.org/press/en/2001/ga9889.doc.htm |archive-date=9 October 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Activities ===
[[File:President Vladimir Putin with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.jpg|thumb|Annan with Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] at [[United Nations Headquarters]] in New York City, 2001]]

==== Recommendations for UN reform ====
Soon after taking office in 1997, Annan released two reports on management reform. On 17 March 1997, the report ''Management and Organisational Measures'' (A/51/829) introduced new management mechanisms through the establishment of a cabinet-style body to assist him and the UN's activities in accordance with four core missions. A comprehensive reform agenda was issued on 14 July 1997 titled ''Renewing the United Nations: A Programme for Reform'' (A/51/950). Key proposals included the introduction of [[strategic management]] to strengthen [[unity of purpose]], the establishment of the position of deputy secretary-general, a 10-per cent reduction in posts, a reduction in administrative costs, the consolidation of the UN at the country level, and reaching out to [[civil society]] and the [[private sector]] as partners. Annan also proposed to hold a [[Millennium Summit]] in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Millennium Assembly and the Millennium Summit|url=https://www.un.org/millennium/sg/report/fact.htm|publisher=United Nations |date=March 2000|access-date=30 June 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120616173400/http://www.un.org/millennium/sg/report/fact.htm|archive-date=16 June 2012}}</ref>
After years of research, Annan presented a progress report, ''[[In Larger Freedom]]'', to the UN General Assembly on 21 March 2005. Annan recommended Security Council expansion and a host of other [[UN reform]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/largerfreedom/|title=In Larger Freedom|access-date=12 December 2006|publisher=United Nations |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213000423/http://www.un.org/largerfreedom/|archive-date=13 December 2006}}</ref>

On 31 January 2006, Annan outlined his vision for a comprehensive and extensive reform of the UN in a policy speech to the [[United Nations Association UK]]. The speech, delivered at [[Central Hall, Westminster]], also marked the 60th anniversary of the first meetings of the General Assembly and Security Council.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=17358&Cr=Iran&Cr1=nuclear|title=Annan addresses UNA-UK in London|access-date=5 August 2007|publisher=United Nations |date=February 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808055700/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=17358&Cr=Iran&Cr1=nuclear|archive-date=8 August 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 7 March 2006, he presented to the General Assembly his proposals for a fundamental overhaul of the [[United Nations Secretariat]]. The reform report is titled ''Investing in the United Nations, For a Stronger Organization Worldwide''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/reform/|title=Reforming the United Nations|access-date=12 December 2006|publisher=United Nations |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212212928/http://www.un.org/reform/|archive-date=12 December 2006|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 30 March 2006, he presented to the General Assembly his analysis and recommendations for updating the entire work programme of the United Nations Secretariat. The reform report is titled ''Mandating and Delivering: Analysis and Recommendations to Facilitate the Review of Mandates''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/mandatereview|title=Reforming the United Nations, Mandate Review|access-date=12 December 2006|publisher=United Nations |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061213172029/http://www.un.org/mandatereview/|archive-date=13 December 2006}}</ref>

Regarding the [[UN Human Rights Council]], Annan said "declining credibility" had "cast a shadow on the reputation of the United Nations system. Unless we re-make our human rights machinery, we may be unable to renew public confidence in the United Nations itself." He believed that, despite its flaws, the council could do good.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Annan|first=Kofi|title=Kofi Annan: Despite flaws, UN Human Rights Council can bring progress|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2011/1208/Kofi-Annan-Despite-flaws-UN-Human-Rights-Council-can-bring-progress|journal=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]|access-date=6 December 2012|date=8 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102153928/http://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/Opinion/2011/1208/Kofi-Annan-Despite-flaws-UN-Human-Rights-Council-can-bring-progress|archive-date=2 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Halvorssen|first=Thor|title=Chavez and Nazarbayev Celebrate Tyrannical Victory at U.N. Human Rights Council|url=http://humanrightsfoundation.org/media/Thor-Halvorssen-Chavez-Nazarbayev-celebrate-UN-Rights-Council-membership-12-11-2012-Huffington-Post-Daily-Caller.php|work=[[The Daily Caller]]|via=[[Human Rights Foundation]] |access-date=6 December 2012|date=November 12, 2012 |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309084203/http://humanrightsfoundation.org/media/Thor-Halvorssen-Chavez-Nazarbayev-celebrate-UN-Rights-Council-membership-12-11-2012-Huffington-Post-Daily-Caller.php|archive-date=9 March 2013}}</ref>

In March 2000, Annan appointed the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations{{sfn|Bogdandy|Wolfrum|Philipp|2005|page={{pli|{{GBurl|id=EHpHKjM5HnUC|q=Annan%20Brahimi%207%20March%202000|pg=PA404}}|404}}{{spaces|2|thin}}{{limited access}}}} to assess the shortcomings of the then existing system and to make specific and realistic recommendations for change.{{sfn|Gareis|2012|page={{pli|{{GBurl|id=-NwcBQAAQBAJ|pg=PA120}}|120}}{{spaces|2|thin}}{{limited access}}}} The panel was composed of individuals experienced in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The report it produced, which became known as the [[Brahimi Report]], after the chair of the Panel [[Lakhdar Brahimi]], called for "renewed political commitment on the part of Member States, significant institutional change, and increased financial support".<ref name=BahimiReport>{{Cite web|archive-date=2018-08-19|title=United Nations Conferences, Meetings and Events|url=http://www.un.org/en/events/pastevents/brahimi_report.shtml|access-date=2022-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182238/http://www.un.org/en/events/pastevents/brahimi_report.shtml}}</ref> The Panel further noted that to be effective, UN peacekeeping operations must be adequately resourced and equipped, and operate under clear, credible and achievable mandates.<ref name=BahimiReport /> In a letter transmitting the report to the General Assembly and Security Council, Annan stated that the Panel's recommendations were essential to making the United Nations truly credible as a force for peace.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Penketh|first1=Anne|title=Annan rewrites the rules for UN peace-keeping|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/annan-rewrites-the-rules-for-un-peace-keeping-711206.html|access-date=19 August 2018|newspaper=The Independent|date=24 August 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819145955/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/annan-rewrites-the-rules-for-un-peace-keeping-711206.html|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that same year, the Security Council adopted several provisions relating to peacekeeping following the report, in [[United Nations Security Council Resolution 1327|Resolution 1327]].<ref>{{cite press release|title=Security Council, responding to 'Brahimi Report', adopts wide-ranging resolution on peacekeeping operations|publisher=United Nations |id= SC/6948|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2000/20001113.sc6948.doc.html|date=13 November 2000|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026030422/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2000/20001113.sc6948.doc.html|archive-date=26 October 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Millennium Development Goals ====
In 2000, Annan issued a report titled ''We the Peoples: the Role of the United Nations in the 21st Century''.{{sfn|Spoor|2006|p={{pli|{{GBurl|id=ga1uFYKbfdYC|pg=PA9}}|9}}{{spaces|2|thin}}{{limited access}}}} The report called for member states to "put people at the centre of everything we do":{{sfn|Jr|Pubantz|2017|page={{pli|{{GBurl|id=6TMlDwAAQBAJ|pg=PA105}}|105}}{{spaces|2|thin}}{{limited access}}}} "No calling is more noble, and no responsibility greater, than that of enabling men, women and children, in cities and villages around the world, to make their lives better."<ref name=WTP>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/events/pastevents/pdfs/We_The_Peoples.pdf|title="We the peoples" – The role of the United Nations in the 21st Century|year=2000|access-date=28 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623053539/http://www.un.org/en/events/pastevents/pdfs/We_The_Peoples.pdf|archive-date=23 June 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|7}}

In the final chapter of the report, Annan called to "free our fellow men and women from the abject and [[Dehumanization|dehumanizing]] poverty in which more than 1&nbsp;billion of them are currently confined".{{r|WTP|p=77}}

At the Millennium Summit in September 2000, national leaders adopted the [[Millennium Declaration]], which the United Nations Secretariat subsequently implemented as the [[Millennium Development Goals]] in 2001.{{sfn|Nwonwu|2008|page={{pli|{{GBurl|id=tYR2s9xeG4oC|pg=PP1}}|1}}{{spaces|2|thin}}{{limited access}}}}

==== United Nations Information Technology Service ====

Within the ''We the Peoples'' document, Annan suggested the establishment of a United Nations Information Technology Service (UNITeS), a consortium of high-tech volunteer corps, including [[NetCorps]] Canada and Net Corps America, which [[United Nations Volunteers]] (UNV) would coordinate. In the "Report of the high-level panel of experts on information and communication technology",<ref>{{Cite report |url=https://www.un.org/documents/ecosoc/docs/2000/e2000-55.pdf |title=Report of the high-level panel of experts on information and communication technology |publisher=United Nations |date=22 May 2000 |access-date=28 June 2017 |archive-date=16 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120716184311/http://www.un.org/documents/ecosoc/docs/2000/e2000-55.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> suggesting a [[UN ICT Task Force]], the panel welcomed the establishment of UNITeS. It made suggestions on its configuration and implementation strategy, including that ICT4D [[volunteering]] opportunities make mobilising "national human resources" (local ICT experts) within developing countries a priority for both men and women. The initiative was launched at the UNV and was active from February 2001 to February 2005. Initiative staff and volunteers participated in the [[World Summit on the Information Society]] (WSIS) in Geneva in December 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unites.org/|title=UNITeS|access-date=9 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040831085541/http://www.unites.org/|archive-date=31 August 2004}}</ref>

==== United Nations Global Compact ====
In an address to the [[World Economic Forum]] on 31 January 1999, Annan argued that the "goals of the United Nations and those of business can, indeed, be mutually supportive" and proposed that the private sector and the United Nations initiate "a global compact of shared values and principles, which will give a human face to the global market".<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/1999/19990201.sgsm6881.html|title=Secretary-general Proposes Global Compact on Human Rights, Labour, Environment, in Address to World Economic Forum in Davos|publisher=United Nations |date=1999-02-01 |access-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205135136/http://www.un.org/press/en/1999/19990201.sgsm6881.html|archive-date=5 December 2015|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 26 July 2000, the [[United Nations Global Compact]] was officially launched at UN headquarters in New York. It is a principle-based framework for businesses which aims to "[c]atalyse actions in support of broader UN goals, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)".<ref name="unglobalcompact">{{cite web|url=http://www.unglobalcompact.org/AboutTheGC/index.html|title=About the UN Global Compact|access-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150611101210/https://www.unglobalcompact.org/AboutTheGC/index.html|archive-date=11 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> The Compact established ten core principles in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment and [[anti-corruption]]. Under the Compact, companies commit to the ten principles and are brought together with UN agencies, labour groups and civil society to implement them effectively.

==== Establishment of The Global Fund ====
Towards the end of the 1990s, increased awareness of the destructive potential of epidemics such as HIV/AIDS pushed public health issues to the top of the global development agenda. In April 2001, Annan issued a five-point "Call to Action" to address the [[HIV/AIDS pandemic]]. Stating it was a "personal priority", Annan proposed the establishment of a [[Global AIDS and Health Fund]], "dedicated to the battle against HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases",<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2001/SGSM7779R1.doc.htm|title=Secretary-general Proposes Global Fund for Fight Against HIV/AIDS and Other Infectious Diseases at African Leaders Summit|publisher=United Nations |date=2001-04-26 |access-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160101052503/http://www.un.org/press/en/2001/SGSM7779R1.doc.htm|archive-date=1 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> to stimulate the increased international spending needed to help developing countries confront the HIV/AIDS crisis. In June of that year, the General Assembly of the United Nations committed to creating such a fund during a special session on AIDS,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/S-26/2|title=Resolution adopted by the General Assembly S-26/2. Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS|publisher=United Nations |date=27 June 2001|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182252/http://www.un.org/en/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A%2FRES%2FS-26%2F2|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and the permanent secretariat of the Global Fund was subsequently established in January 2002.{{sfn|Richey|Ponte|2011|page={{pli|{{GBurl|id=AA0ZbeZwp7oC|pg=PA108}}|108}}{{spaces|2|thin}}{{limited access}}}}

==== Responsibility to Protect ====
Following the failure of Annan and the international community to intervene in the [[genocide in Rwanda]] and [[Srebrenica massacre|in Srebrenica]], Annan asked whether the international community had an obligation in such situations to intervene to protect civilian populations. In a speech to the General Assembly on 20 September 1999, "to address the prospects for human security and intervention in the next century",<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/1999/19990920.sgsm7136.html|title=Secretary-general Presents His Annual Report to General Assembly|publisher=United Nations |date=1999-09-20 |access-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707155757/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/1999/19990920.sgsm7136.html|archive-date=7 July 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Annan argued that [[individual sovereignty]]—the protections afforded by the [[Declaration of Human Rights]] and the [[Charter of the UN]]—was being strengthened, while the notion of [[state sovereignty]] was being redefined by globalisation and international co-operation. As a result, the UN and its member states had to consider a willingness to act to prevent conflict and civilian suffering,{{sfn|MacQueen|2011|p={{pli|{{GBurl|id=dcZvAAAAQBAJ|pg=PA73}}|73}}{{spaces|2|thin}}{{limited access}}}} a dilemma between "two concepts of sovereignty" that Annan also presented in a preceding article in ''[[The Economist]]'' on 16 September 1999.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/international/1999/09/16/two-concepts-of-sovereignty|title=By Invitation: Two concepts of sovereignty|first=Kofi |last=Annan|newspaper=The Economist|date=1999-09-16|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182414/https://www.economist.com/international/1999/09/16/two-concepts-of-sovereignty|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the March 2000 ''Millennium Report'' to the UN, Annan asked: "If humanitarian intervention is, indeed, an unacceptable assault on sovereignty, how should we respond to a Rwanda, to a Srebrenica – to gross and systematic violations of human rights that affect every precept of our common humanity?"<ref name="crlowy">{{cite web |last=Renshaw |first=Catherine |title=R2P: An idea whose time never comes |url=https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/r2p-idea-whose-time-never-comes |publisher=[[Lowy Institute]] |access-date=29 January 2023 |date=2 June 2021 |archive-date=29 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129140458/https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/r2p-idea-whose-time-never-comes |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2001, the Canadian government established an [[ad hoc committee]] to address this balance between state sovereignty and [[humanitarian intervention]]. The [[International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty]] published its final report in 2001, which focused not on the right of states to intervene but on a responsibility to protect populations at risk. The report moved beyond [[military intervention]], arguing that various diplomatic and humanitarian actions could also be utilised to protect civilian populations.<ref name=":0a" />

In 2005, Annan included the doctrine of "[[Responsibility to Protect]]" (RtoP) in his report ''In Larger Freedom''.<ref name=":0a">{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/rwanda/about/bgresponsibility.shtml|title=Outreach Programme on the Rwanda Genocide and the United Nations|publisher=United Nations|language=EN|access-date=25 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227160640/http://www.un.org/en/preventgenocide/rwanda/about/bgresponsibility.shtml|archive-date=27 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> When the UN General Assembly endorsed that report, it amounted to the first formal endorsement by UN member states of the doctrine of RtoP.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/about-rtop/the-un-and-rtop|title=The UN and RtoP|website=responsibilitytoprotect.org|access-date=17 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114211759/http://www.responsibilitytoprotect.org/index.php/about-rtop/the-un-and-rtop|archive-date=14 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Iraq ====
In the years after 1998, when [[UNSCOM]] was expelled by the government of [[Saddam Hussein]], and during the [[Iraq disarmament crisis]], in which the United States blamed UNSCOM and former [[IAEA]] director [[Hans Blix]] for failing to disarm Iraq properly, former UNSCOM chief weapons inspector [[Scott Ritter]] blamed Annan for being slow and ineffective in enforcing [[Security Council resolutions on Iraq]] and being overtly submissive to the demands of the [[Clinton administration]] for regime removal and inspection of sites, often presidential palaces, that were not mandated in any resolution and were of questionable intelligence value, severely hampering UNSCOM's ability to co-operate with the Iraqi government and contributing to their expulsion from the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://emperors-clothes.com/analysis/ritter-nuke-sen.htm|title=Transcript of Scott Ritter's September 3, 1998 Senate testimony|access-date=14 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212035901/http://emperors-clothes.com/analysis/ritter-nuke-sen.htm|archive-date=12 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chief U.N. Arms Inspector Disturbed by Criticism of Ex-Inspector|work=The New York Times|first=Barbara|last=Crossette|date=8 September 2009|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/09/world/chief-un-arms-inspector-disturbed-by-criticism-of-ex-inspector.html|access-date=15 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024181944/http://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/09/world/chief-un-arms-inspector-disturbed-by-criticism-of-ex-inspector.html|archive-date=24 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Ritter also claimed that Annan regularly interfered with the work of the inspectors and diluted the chain of command by trying to micromanage all of the activities of UNSCOM, which caused intelligence processing (and the resulting inspections) to be backed up and caused confusion with the Iraqis as to who was in charge and as a result, they generally refused to take orders from Ritter or [[Rolf Ekéus]] without explicit approval from Annan, which could have taken days, if not weeks. He later believed Annan was oblivious that the Iraqis took advantage of this to delay inspections. He claimed that on one occasion, Annan refused to implement a no-notice inspection of the [[Iraqi Special Security Organization]] (SSO) headquarters and instead tried to negotiate access. Still, the negotiation took nearly six weeks, giving the Iraqis more than enough time to clean the site.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/ritter.html|title=The Iraqi Threat: How Real Is It?|access-date=6 January 2011|publisher=[[North Country Public Radio]] |date=October 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511091228/http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/ritter.html|archive-date=11 May 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>

During the build-up to the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], Annan called on the United States and the United Kingdom not to invade without the support of the United Nations. In a September 2004 interview on the [[BBC]], when questioned about the legal authority for the invasion, Annan said he believed it was not in conformity with the UN charter and was illegal.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Iraq war illegal, says Annan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3661134.stm|work=BBC News|date=16 September 2004|access-date=12 December 2006|quote="When pressed on whether he viewed the invasion of Iraq as illegal, he said: 'Yes, if you wish. I have indicated it was not in conformity with the UN charter from our point of view, from the charter point of view, it was illegal.'"|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912171408/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3661134.stm|archive-date=12 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Excerpts: Annan interview|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3661640.stm|work=BBC News|date=16 September 2004|access-date=12 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301061157/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/3661640.stm|archive-date=1 March 2007|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Other diplomatic activities ====
In 1998, Annan was deeply involved in supporting the transition from military to civilian rule in [[Military dictatorship in Nigeria|Nigeria]]. The following year, he supported the efforts of [[East Timor (province)|East Timor]] to secure independence from Indonesia. In 2000, he was responsible for certifying Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon, and in 2006, he led talks in New York between the presidents of Cameroon and Nigeria, which led to a settlement of the dispute between the two countries over the [[Bakassi]] peninsula.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stateless in Bakassi: How a Changed Border Left Inhabitants Adrift|url=https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/stateless-bakassi-how-changed-border-left-inhabitants-adrift|publisher=[[Open Society Foundations]]|language=en|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819052557/https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/stateless-bakassi-how-changed-border-left-inhabitants-adrift|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Annan and Iranian president [[Mahmoud Ahmadinejad]] disagreed sharply on [[Iran's nuclear program]], on an Iranian exhibition of cartoons mocking [[the Holocaust]], and on the then-upcoming [[International Conference to Review the Global Vision of the Holocaust]], an Iranian [[Holocaust denial]] conference in 2006.<ref name="cbc.ca">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/iranian-pm-snubs-annan-over-nuclear-program-1.624490|publisher=[[CBC News]]|title=Iranian PM snubs Annan over nuclear program|date=3 September 2006|access-date=24 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117154024/http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2006/09/03/annan-iran.html|archive-date=17 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> During a visit to Iran instigated by continued Iranian [[uranium enrichment]], Annan said: "I think the tragedy of the Holocaust is an undeniable historical fact and we should really accept that fact and teach people what happened in World War II and ensure it is never repeated".<ref name="cbc.ca" />

Annan supported sending [[United Nations Mission in Sudan|a UN peacekeeping mission]] to [[War in Darfur|Darfur, Sudan]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Annan warns Darfur is heading for disaster unless UN peacekeepers move in|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2006/09/191902-annan-warns-darfur-heading-disaster-unless-un-peacekeepers-move|website=UN News|language=en|date=13 September 2006|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819011038/https://news.un.org/en/story/2006/09/191902-annan-warns-darfur-heading-disaster-unless-un-peacekeepers-move|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> He worked with the government of Sudan to accept a transfer of power from the [[African Union Mission in Sudan|African Union peacekeeping mission]] to a UN one.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sudan 'backs' Darfur force plan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6153208.stm|date=17 November 2006|publisher=BBC|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819011053/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6153208.stm|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Annan also worked with several Arab and Muslim countries on [[women's rights]] and other topics.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kofi Annan, women's empowerment key to continent's progress |url=http://genderlinks.org.za/programme-web-menu/kofi-annan-womens-empowerment-key-to-continents-progress-2010-05-25/|website=Gender Links |date=25 May 2010|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819010955/http://genderlinks.org.za/programme-web-menu/kofi-annan-womens-empowerment-key-to-continents-progress-2010-05-25/|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Beginning in 1998, Annan convened an annual UN "Security Council Retreat" with the 15 states' council representatives. It was held at the [[Rockefeller Brothers Fund]] (RBF) Conference Center at the [[Rockefeller family]] estate in [[Pocantico Hills, New York]], and was sponsored by both the RBF and the UN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rbf.org/grants/programs/pocconference_2005_F.html|title=Pocantico Conferences 2005|access-date=12 December 2006|publisher=[[Rockefeller Brothers Fund]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061001030415/http://www.rbf.org/grants/programs/pocconference_2005_F.html|archive-date=1 October 2006}}</ref>

==== Lubbers sexual-harassment investigation ====
In June 2004, Annan was given a copy of the [[Office of Internal Oversight Services]] (OIOS) report on the complaint brought by four female workers against [[Ruud Lubbers]], [[UN High Commissioner for Refugees]], for [[sexual harassment]], [[abuse of authority]], and [[Workplace deviance|retaliation]]. The report also reviewed a long-serving staff member's allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against [[Werner Blatter]], director of UNHCR personnel. The investigation found Lubbers guilty of sexual harassment; no mention was made publicly of the other charge against a senior official or two subsequent complaints filed later that year. During the official investigation, Lubbers wrote a letter which some considered a threat to the female worker who had brought the charges.<ref>{{Cite news|title=UN report slams Lubbers for 'regular sexual harassment'|url=http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=1&story_id=17094&name=UN+report+slams+Lubbers+over+sexual+harassment|work=[[Expatica]]|date=18 February 2005|access-date=12 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514235934/http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=1&story_id=17094&name=UN+report+slams+Lubbers+over+sexual+harassment|archive-date=14 May 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 15 July 2004, Annan cleared Lubbers of the accusations, saying they were not substantial enough legally.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Fiona |last1=Fleck |name-list-style=and |first2=Warren |last2=Hoge|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/16/world/annan-clears-refugee-chief-of-harassment-accusations.html|title=Annan Clears Refugee Chief Of Harassment Accusations|work=The New York Times|date=16 July 2004|access-date=29 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514094354/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/16/world/annan-clears-refugee-chief-of-harassment-accusations.html|archive-date=14 May 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> The internal UN–OIOS report on Lubbers was leaked, and sections accompanied by an article by [[Kate Holt]] were published in a British newspaper. In February 2005, Lubbers resigned as head of the [[UN refugee agency]], saying he wanted to relieve political pressure on Annan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005-02-21|title=UN refugee chief quits over sex claims|url=https://www.theage.com.au/world/un-refugee-chief-quits-over-sex-claims-20050221-gdzn0k.html|access-date=2022-04-05|website=[[The Age]]|language=en|archive-date=11 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011183407/http://www.theage.com.au/news/World/UN-refugee-chief-quits-over-sex-claims/2005/02/21/1108834690036.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Oil-for-Food scandal ====
In December 2004, reports surfaced that the Secretary-General's son [[Kojo Annan]] received payments from the Swiss company [[Cotecna Inspection SA]], which had won a lucrative contract under the UN [[Oil-for-Food Programme]]. Kofi Annan called for an investigation to look into the allegations.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Laurence|first1=Charles|last2=Gilmore|first2=Inigo|title=Kofi Annan calls for full oil-for-food 'scandal' inquiry|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1457428/Kofi-Annan-calls-for-full-oil-for-food-scandal-inquiry.html|access-date=19 August 2018|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=21 March 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820074557/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1457428/Kofi-Annan-calls-for-full-oil-for-food-scandal-inquiry.html|archive-date=20 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 November 2005, ''[[The Sunday Times]]'' agreed to apologise and pay a substantial sum in damages to Kojo Annan, accepting that the allegations were untrue.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/nov/11/sundaytimes.pressandpublishing|newspaper=The Guardian|title=Sunday Times pays out over Annan story|date=11 November 2005|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819214239/https://www.theguardian.com/media/2005/nov/11/sundaytimes.pressandpublishing|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Annan appointed the [[Independent Inquiry Committee]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iic-offp.org/about.htm|title=About the Committee|access-date=12 December 2006|publisher=Independent Inquiry Committee into The United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212194301/http://www.iic-offp.org/about.htm|archive-date=12 December 2006}}</ref> which was led by former [[US Federal Reserve]] chairman [[Paul Volcker]],<ref name="Members">{{cite web|url=http://www.iic-offp.org/members.htm|title=Members|access-date=12 December 2006|publisher=Independent Inquiry Committee into The United Nations Oil-for-Food Programme |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212193944/http://www.iic-offp.org/members.htm|archive-date=12 December 2006}}</ref> then the director of the [[United Nations Association of the US]]. In his first interview with the Inquiry Committee, Annan denied meeting with Cotecna. Later in the inquiry, he recalled having met with Cotecna's chief executive [[Elie-Georges Massey]] twice. In a final report issued on 27 October, the committee found insufficient evidence to indict Annan on any illegal actions but did find fault with [[Benon Sevan]], an Armenian-Cypriot national who had worked for the UN for about 40 years. Appointed by Annan to the Oil-For-Food role, Sevan repeatedly asked Iraqis for allocations of oil to the African Middle East Petroleum Company. Sevan's behaviour was "ethically improper", Volcker said to reporters. Sevan repeatedly denied the charges and argued that he was being made a "[[Scapegoating|scapegoat]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,243909,00.html|title=Former U.N. Oil-for-Food Chief Benon Sevan Indicted Over Bribes From Saddam's Regime|date=16 January 2007|access-date=30 June 2012|work=Fox News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528045619/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,243909,00.html|archive-date=28 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Volcker report was highly critical of the UN management structure and the Security Council oversight. It strongly recommended a new chief operating officer (COO) position to handle the fiscal and administrative responsibilities then under the Secretary-General's office. The report listed the Western and Middle Eastern companies that had benefited illegally from the program.<ref name="Members" />

=== Nobel Peace Prize ===
{{See also|List of awards and honours received by Kofi Annan}}
In 2001, its centennial year, the [[Nobel Committee]] decided that the [[Nobel Peace Prize|Peace Prize]] was to be divided between the UN and Annan. They were awarded the Peace Prize "for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world",<ref name=NobelLaur /> having revitalised the UN and prioritised human rights. The Nobel Committee also recognised his commitment to the struggle to contain the spread of [[HIV in Africa]] and his declared opposition to [[international terrorism]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Doubek |first1=James |title=Kofi Annan, Former U.N. Secretary-General, Peace Prize Winner, Dies At 80 |url=https://www.npr.org/2018/08/18/639812024/kofi-annan-former-u-n-secretary-general-peace-prize-winner-dies-at-80 |access-date=19 August 2018 |publisher=NPR |date=18 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818171637/https://www.npr.org/2018/08/18/639812024/kofi-annan-former-u-n-secretary-general-peace-prize-winner-dies-at-80 |archive-date=18 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Soon after Annan was awarded the Peace Prize, he was given a chieftaincy title by the [[Asantehene]] of [[Asanteman]]. The honour was conferred upon him for his "[selfless] contributions to humanity and promotion of peace throughout the world".<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-15|title=Kofi Annan earned 'Busumuru' for his selflessness|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Kofi-Annan-earned-Busumuru-for-his-selflessness-685285|access-date=2021-08-17|website=[[GhanaWeb]]|language=en|archive-date=16 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816045514/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Kofi-Annan-earned-Busumuru-for-his-selflessness-685285|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Relations between the United States and the UN ===
[[File:Rice and Annan.jpg|thumb|Annan with US secretary of state [[Condoleezza Rice]] in 2006]]
Annan defended his deputy secretary-general [[Mark Malloch Brown]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/08/AR2006060801744_pf.html|title=Annan Backs Deputy in Dispute With U.S.|date=8 June 2006|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=29 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110044359/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/08/AR2006060801744_pf.html|archive-date=10 November 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> who openly criticised the United States in a speech on 6 June 2006: "[T]he prevailing practice of seeking to use the UN almost by stealth as a diplomatic tool while failing to stand up for it against its domestic critics is simply not sustainable. You will lose the UN one way or another. [...] [That] the US is constructively engaged with the UN [...] is not well known or understood, in part because much of the public discourse that reaches the US heartland has been largely abandoned to its loudest detractors such as [[Rush Limbaugh]] and [[Fox News]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/dsgsm287.doc.htm|title=UN needs US, US needs UN to face challenges – HIV/AIDS, SUDAN – that defy national solutions, says Deputy Secretary-General in New York address|access-date=12 December 2006|last=Brown|first=Mark Malloch|author-link=Mark Malloch Brown|date=6 June 2006|publisher=United Nations |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061211111010/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/dsgsm287.doc.htm|archive-date=11 December 2006|url-status=dead}}</ref> Malloch later said his talk was a "sincere and constructive critique of U.S. policy toward the U.N. by a friend and admirer".<ref name=AssociatedPress />

The talk was unusual because it violated the unofficial policy of not having top officials publicly criticise member nations.<ref name=AssociatedPress /> The interim US ambassador [[John Bolton]], appointed by President [[George W. Bush]], was reported to have told Annan on the phone: "I've known you since 1989 and I'm telling you this is the worst mistake by a senior UN official that I have seen in that entire time."<ref name=AssociatedPress>{{cite news|title=Speech by U. N. Leader Draws Angry Response From US|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198535,00.html|agency=Associated Press|date=7 June 2006|access-date=12 December 2006|work=Fox News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070211012932/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,198535,00.html|archive-date=11 February 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref> Observers from other nations supported Malloch's view that conservative politicians in the US prevented many citizens from understanding the benefits of [[United States and the United Nations|US involvement in the UN]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=CNN – Transcripts|url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/cnr/date/2006-12-11/segment/03|access-date=2022-04-05|work=CNN|date=2006-12-11|archive-date=25 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725032212/https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/cnr/date/2006-12-11/segment/03|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Farewell addresses ===
{{external media
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| video1 = [https://www.c-span.org/video/?195780-1/secretary-general-farewell-address Farewell Address by Kofi Annan, 11 December 2006], C-SPAN
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On 19 September 2006, Annan gave a farewell address to world leaders gathered at the [[United Nations headquarters|UN headquarters]] in New York in anticipation of his retirement on 31 December. In the speech, he outlined three major problems of "an unjust world economy, world disorder, and widespread contempt for human rights and the rule of law", which he believed "have not resolved, but sharpened" during his time as secretary-general. He also pointed to violence in Africa and the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]] as two major issues warranting attention.<ref>{{cite news|first=Evelyn|last=Leopold|title=UN's Annan depicts polarized world in farewell speech|url=http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2006-09-19T173615Z_01_N19388437_RTRUKOC_0_US-UN-ASSEMBLY-ANNAN.xml&archived=False&src=091906_1412_ARTICLE_PROMO_also_on_reuters|work=Reuters|date=16 September 2006|access-date=12 December 2006|archive-date=16 February 2011|archive-url=http://web.archive.bibalex.org/web/20110216014707/http://www.reuters.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 11 December 2006, in [[s:Secretary-General Kofi Annan's address at the Truman Presidential Museum & Library on 11 December 2006|his final speech as secretary-general]], delivered at the [[Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum|Harry S. Truman Presidential Library]] in [[Independence, Missouri]], Annan recalled [[President Truman]]'s leadership in the founding of the United Nations. He called for the United States to return to Truman's [[multilateralism|multilateralist]] foreign policies and to follow [[Truman's doctrine]] that "the responsibility of the great states is to serve and not dominate the peoples of the world". He also said that the United States must maintain its commitment to human rights, "including in the struggle against terrorism".<ref>{{cite news|title=Annan chides US in final speech|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6169669.stm|work=BBC News|date=11 December 2006|access-date=11 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106103503/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6169669.stm|archive-date=6 January 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Kofi|last=Annan|title=Independence, Missouri, 11 December 2006 – Secretary-General's address at the Truman Presidential Museum and Library followed by Questions and Answers|url=https://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2357|publisher=United Nations|date=11 December 2006|access-date=11 December 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061217080302/http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2357|archive-date=17 December 2006}}</ref>