MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has joined the international community in mourning the passing of former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan.
In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines will remember Annan for his “unwavering commitment to multilateralism that reinvigorated the United Nations and brought peace to places around the world that have been torn apart by conflict.”
Annan, a statesman, diplomat, peacemaker and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, passed away in Switzerland on Saturday after a short illness. He was 80.
“The Philippines will remember Kofi Annan for such initiatives as the UN Global Compact, the Millennium Summit, the Global Fund, and UN reform that helped shape today’s international environment,” the DFA said.
“The Philippines will remember Kofi Annan as a champion of humanity. His dignity, vision, and determination has made our world a better place to live in. For that, the Philippines will forever be grateful,” it added.