Papers, Newsletters, Reports & StatementsPCID OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT: KOFI ANNAN: IN MEMORIAM | 20 August 2018

KOFI ANNAN: IN MEMORIAM

The Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy (PCID) shares the world’s sorrow over the passing of Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace Laureate who has made invaluable contributions to global peace, security, and sustainable development. Mr. Annan devoted his life in pursuit of peace by drawing attention to the plight of nations afflicted with war, raising awareness about the urgent need to combat climate change, and fighting abject poverty.

Mr. Annan visited the Philippines in 2003 and offered the UN’s assistance for the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This offer led to the UN’s full support for the peace process till today.

His efforts in global counterterrorism produced the report “Uniting Against Terrorism-Recommendations for a Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy” which identified conditions that contributes to the spread of terrorism and called for a collective action plan to fight terrorist threats. The report later shaped the development of the UN Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism which directs member states to develop a national plan of action which set national priorities for addressing the local drivers of violent extremism and complements national counter-terrorism strategies where they already exist.

Among the seven key recommendations of the plan include engaging communities with the help of civil society, promoting gender equality, and empowering women and youth.

As he emphasized in his 2000 speech to the United Nations, he reminded world leaders to work together in search for solutions to global problems. However, we must also take into heart that “we the peoples” meant that we are all accountable to take action for humanitarian crises worldwide, and to respond to this, cooperation and unity is essential across all nations and societies.

Kofi Annan will be remembered for his selflessness to contribute to the betterment of society.

His legacy and spirit will continue to inspire hope in all of us to unwaveringly work for the cause of peace and for the welfare of the Filipino people.

For inquiries:
Amina Rasul
President, PCID

Hannah Manaligod
Research Officer
Tel no: 426-5866
Tel/Fax: 426-9972