Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Nobel Peace Laureate, Kofi Annan, passed away at age 80, as a result of an illness he had been suffering, the announcement was made by his family and foundation this Saturday, August 18.

Kofi Annan, was a native of Ghana, and served as the seventh Secretary-General of the UN from January 1997 to December 2006. We was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with the UN in 2001. Annan was also the founder of the Kofi Annan Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that promotes better global governance and “strengthen the capacities of people and counties to achieve a fairer, more peaceful world”.

The foundation’s website included a release on the passing of Annan:

“Kofi Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world. During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.

After stepping down from the United Nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the cause of peace through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration to young and old alike”.

Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did. He will be greatly missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and his many former colleagues in the United Nations system. He will remain in our hearts forever”.