Kofi Annan knew the importance of education

Kofi Annan at the Geneva Foundation 2017 Award Ceremony. CREDIT: UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré.

Kofi Annan strongly believed in development, and knew that education was one of the keys to unlock everyone’s potential.

Last Saturday, the world lost a great man: former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate Kofi Annan passed away at age 80.

In his work as Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006, and with numerous non-profit foundations after that, he tirelessly promoted peace, human rights, and the rule of law.

He strongly believed in development, and knew that education was one of the keys to unlock everyone’s potential. Here are some of his quotes to illustrate this:

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”

“Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.”

“Education is a human right with immense power to transform. On its foundation rest the cornerstones of freedom, democracy, and sustainable human development.”

Late last year, he had campaigned on behalf of the International Rescue Committee and Sesame Workshop to ensure the education of refugee children was not forgotten, because…