Kofi Annan

"Over time you learn to know a bit more about yourself - you develop a certain amount of self-insight and self-awareness, and you know what you can absorb, and what you cannot; what gets to you and what doesn't. And I observe a lot. I see a lot around me. And over time you also get to understand the nature of man and the environments you are dealing with, and you can't always allow emotions and temper to flare up because you're displeased with something, or you want to change it."

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Source: Kofi Annan on 40 Years Trying to End War, Promote Peace at the United Nations. Interview with Jeffrey Brown, www.pbs.org. September 18, 2012.

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Kofi Annan

Kofi Annan

Diplomat, Politician

Kofi Annan was a Ghanaian diplomat and the first African to serve as UN Secretary-General, known for his efforts in promoting peace and sustainable development.

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