Philippines, community of nations mourn Annan’s death

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines joined the international community in mourning the death of former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan and in paying tribute to a “champion of humanity.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday the Philippines will remember Annan – a statesman, diplomat, peacemaker and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate – for his unwavering commitment to multilateralism that reinvigorated the UN and brought peace to places around the world that have been torn apart by conflict.

“His dignity, vision and determination have made our world a better place to live in. For that, the Philippines will forever be grateful,” Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement.

Annan’s remarkable service to the world includes his initiatives UN Global Compact, Millennium Summit, Global Fund and UN reform that helped shape today’s international environment. 

According to a statement published on his official Twitter account on Saturday, Annan passed away peacefully after a short illness. 

Annan, 80, was the seventh UN secretary-general and first to emerge from the ranks of its staff.

The current UN chief, Antonio Guterres hailed him as “a guiding force for good” and a “proud son of Africa who became a global champion for peace and all humanity.”