Quotes from Kofi Annan

When economic conditions are difficult, people tend to be less generous and protect themselves; the question of solidarity doesn't mean much to them at that time.

No one is born a good citizen or a good democrat or a good leader; it takes time and education.

Microfinance is an idea whose time has come.

What governments and people don't realise is that sometimes the collective interest - the international interest - is also the national interest.

It has been said that arguing against globalization is like arguing against the laws of gravity.

We cannot wait for governments to do it all. Globalization operates on Internet time. Governments tend to be slow moving by nature, because they have to build political support for every step.

Education is the great equalizer of our time. It gives hope to the hopeless and creates chances for those without.

In the 21st century, I believe the mission of the United Nations will be defined by a new, more profound awareness of the sanctity and dignity of every human life, regardless of race or religion.

One has to have the strength of character to say the time has come to move on... unless you are a king.

Most people forget that even in Iraq, by the time the air and no-fly zone was established, the air defence system had been removed through the first Gulf war. All of them had been neutralised.

It's always a difficult time to be secretary general.

I hope we do not see another Iraq-type operation for a long time - without UN approval and much broader support from the international community.

We can love what we are, without hating what, and who, we are not.

In their greatest hour of need, the world failed the people of Rwanda.

The United Nations, whose membership comprises almost all the states in the world, is founded on the principle of the equal worth of every human being.

More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny. We can master it only if we face it together. And that, my friends, is why we have the United Nations.

Iraq has a new opportunity to comply with all these relevant resolutions of the Security Council.

Shifting towards low-carbon energy systems can avert climate catastrophe while creating new opportunities for investment, growth, and employment.

As I travel around the world, people think the only place where there is potential conflict [over] water is the Middle East, but they are completely wrong. We have the problem all over the world.

There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children.

I often quote an African proverb that says: "The world is not ours, the earth is not ours, It's a treasure we hold in trust for future generations." And I often hope we will be worthy of that trust.

The World is not ours to keep. We hold it in trust for future generations.

Insecurity is love dressed in a child's clothing.

Could you imagine if the U.N. had endorsed the war in Iraq, what our reputation would be like?