Kofi Annan shared a Nobel Peace Prize with the UN in 2001 for his efforts in revitalizing the worldwide security organization.

His words on receiving the accolade set out very clearly the interdependence of every individual on earth and the mission and hope of One Young World: "We have entered the third millennium through a gate of fire. If today, after the horror of September 11, we see better and we see further, we will realize that humanity is indivisible."

He has undertaken wide-ranging, diplomatic initiatives and in 1998, he helped to ease the transition to civilian rule in Nigeria. Also that year, he visited Iraq in an effort to resolve an impasse between that country and the Security Council over compliance with resolutions involving weapons inspections and other matters.

In 1999, he was deeply involved in the process by which Timor-Leste gained independence from Indonesia. He was responsible for certifying Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, and in 2006, his efforts contributed to securing a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

Since leaving the United Nations, Kofi Annan has continued to press for better policies to meet the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly in Africa. He has also continued to use his experience to mediate and resolve conflict. In Kenya in early 2008, Mr. Annan led the African Union’s Panel of Eminent African Personalities to help find a peaceful resolution to the post-election violence.

In addition to his work with the Kofi Annan Foundation, he serves as the Chairman of the Africa Progress Panel (APP) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).  He is also a Board member, Patron or Honorary member of a number of organisations, including the UN Foundation and The Elders. Mr. Annan currently serves as the Chancellor of the University of Ghana, a Global Fellow at Columbia University in the United States, and Li Ka Shing Professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.