Kofi Annan
One of the important themes of McKay,
A History of World
Societies, has been global interconnection. Since virtually the beginning
of recorded history, far-flung civilizations have been linked by trade, migration,
and conquest, such that each has shaped and been shaped by others. Over time
these interconnections have grown only deeper and more essential. As commerce,
technology, and communications evolved, societies came to exchange not just
luxury goods, ideas, and artistic influences, but resources crucial to their
survival. Today entire nations depend upon others for such resources and
to obtain them they must put aside narrow conceptions of national interest.
Yet few nations put aside those conceptions willingly. Too often they view
their "interest" so myopically, and pursue it so relentlessly,
that they undermine their position in global society and bring terrible suffering
on their citizens. In such a world the United Nations plays a vital role.
Among its many functions the U. N. serves as a counter to destructive "national
interest" and other forces of global fragmentation. Under the leadership
of Kofi Annan—about whom you read in Chapter 36—the U. N. faces some of its
greatest challenges. These include not only international terrorism and ill-considered
responses to it, but also persistent ethnic nationalism, famine, and disregard
for human rights. Despite some missteps Annan has proven an able Secretary-General
whose organization is equal to the tasks that confront it. Use the links
below to learn more about Kofi Annan and the United Nations.
- Introduction
to the United Nations offers a more detailed history of the U. N. and
discussion of its functions.
- For an overview of the structure
of the U. N. take a look at Organization Chart of the United Nations.
Now go to Main Bodies. What are the
main bodies of the U. N. and what are their responsibilities? Examine the
list Economic and Social Commissions. What region of the world is not included?
How might you explain that omission?
- For information about Kofi Annan's
predecessors go to Former Secretaries-General.
You can find out more about the office and its function at The Role of the Secretary-General.
- To learn more about Kofi Annan's
background and tenure at the U.N. to date, go to United
Nations. When you arrive click on "Secretary General" and then
on "Biography." When you finish the biography, examine the "In
the News" section: what are Kofi Annan's most recent activities?
- Under Kofi Annan the U. N. tries
to keep interested people as informed as possible about its activities. For
example, go to Daily Briefing
and The
Situation in Iraq. On the day you examine these pages what events does
the U. N. highlight?
- The U. N. maintains a vast database
of information about the world. For instance, go to Country at a Glance
and choose a country: what information does this service offer?
- As you know, Kofi Annan came to
the U.N. from the WHO. Go to World Health
Organization: what emergencies are featured when you arrive at the site?
Click on "Director General": who is the current Director, and what
is his/her background?
- In 2001 Kofi Annan was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize, which he accepted on behalf of the entire United Nations.
To read Annan's acceptance remarks go to Nobel Lecture.
- Since its inception the U. N. had
been a controversial organization. Today one aspect of this debate concerns the role
of UN in a world dominated by a single super power.
