Diplomat
Kofi Annan
Kofi Annan was born on April 8, 1938 in Kumasi, Ghana. He joined the United Nations at age 24 and became Director of the UN Office in Geneva at 39.
Kofi Annan was born in 1938 and lived to age 80. Anyone born before 1938 is older than Kofi. Anyone over 80 is older than Kofi ever was.
Born
April 8, 1938
Kumasi, Ghana
World pop: ~2.3B
Died
August 18, 2018
World pop: ~7.6B
Kofi's age at death
80
Your age
20
Are you older than Kofi Annan?
No — Kofi Annan was born in 1938. You were born in 2006, making you 68 years younger. Kofi lived to age 80. You are currently 20, so you are not yet older than Kofi was when he died.
At your age (20), Kofi hadn't yet reached his first major milestone. Kofi was 24 when he joined the United Nations — that's 4 years from now for you.
Kofi's Life Timeline
Kofi Annan was born on April 8, 1938, in Kumasi, Ghana. He grew up in a modest family and pursued his education at the University of Science and Technology in Ghana before moving to the United States for further studies. His early life was marked by a strong commitment to public service and international cooperation, which laid the foundation for his future career in diplomacy.
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Annan began his career with the United Nations in 1962, where he held various positions, including serving as the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. He was appointed as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations in 1997 and served until 2006. During his tenure, he focused on revitalizing the UN, addressing global issues such as HIV/AIDS, and promoting human rights. In 2001, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to foster a better organized and more peaceful world.
After leaving the UN, Kofi Annan continued to be active in global diplomacy and humanitarian efforts. He founded the Kofi Annan Foundation, which aimed to promote sustainable development and peace. Annan passed away on August 18, 2018, at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and commitment to global peace and security.
Joined the United Nations
Kofi Annan was 24 years old when he joined the United Nations as a budget officer. This marked the beginning of a distinguished career in international diplomacy that would span over four decades.
Kofi Annan was 24 years old when he joined the United Nations in 1962. Are you older than Kofi was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became Director of the UN Office in Geneva
Kofi Annan was 39 years old when he became the Director of the UN Office in Geneva. This position allowed him to play a significant role in international negotiations and peacekeeping efforts.
Kofi Annan was 39 years old when he became Director of the UN Office in Geneva in 1977. Are you older than Kofi was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Led UN Peacekeeping Operations
Kofi Annan was 50 years old when he was appointed as the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. He oversaw several critical missions during a turbulent period in global politics.
Kofi Annan was 50 years old when he led UN Peacekeeping Operations in 1988. Are you older than Kofi was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Became UN Secretary-General
Kofi Annan was 59 years old when he was appointed as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations. His leadership was pivotal in addressing numerous global challenges during his tenure.
Kofi Annan was 59 years old when he became UN Secretary-General in 1997. Are you older than Kofi was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Won the Nobel Peace Prize
Kofi Annan was 63 years old when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in fostering a better organized and more peaceful world. This recognition highlighted his commitment to human rights and global cooperation.
Kofi Annan was 63 years old when he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. Are you older than Kofi was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Founded the Kofi Annan Foundation
Kofi Annan was 70 years old when he founded the Kofi Annan Foundation. The organization focuses on promoting sustainable development and peace, continuing his legacy of global leadership.
Kofi Annan was 70 years old when he founded the Kofi Annan Foundation in 2008. Are you older than Kofi was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Passed away
Kofi Annan was 80 years old when he passed away on August 18, 2018. His death marked the loss of a prominent figure in international diplomacy and a champion for peace and human rights.
Kofi Annan was 80 years old when he passed away in 2018. Are you older than Kofi was? Enter your birth year to compare.
Age by Year
| Year | Age | Notable Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 | 0 | |
| 1939 | 1 | |
| 1940 | 2 | |
| 1941 | 3 | |
| 1942 | 4 | |
| 1943 | 5 | |
| 1944 | 6 | |
| 1945 | 7 | |
| 1946 | 8 | |
| 1947 | 9 | |
| 1948 | 10 | |
| 1949 | 11 | |
| 1950 | 12 | |
| 1951 | 13 | |
| 1952 | 14 | |
| 1953 | 15 | |
| 1954 | 16 | |
| 1955 | 17 | |
| 1956 | 18 | |
| 1957 | 19 | |
| 1958 | 20 | |
| 1959 | 21 | |
| 1960 | 22 | |
| 1961 | 23 | |
| 1962 | 24 | joined the United Nations |
| 1963 | 25 | |
| 1964 | 26 | |
| 1965 | 27 | |
| 1966 | 28 | |
| 1967 | 29 | |
| 1968 | 30 | |
| 1969 | 31 | |
| 1970 | 32 | |
| 1971 | 33 | |
| 1972 | 34 | |
| 1973 | 35 | |
| 1974 | 36 | |
| 1975 | 37 | |
| 1976 | 38 | |
| 1977 | 39 | became Director of the UN Office in Geneva |
| 1978 | 40 | |
| 1979 | 41 | |
| 1980 | 42 | |
| 1981 | 43 | |
| 1982 | 44 | |
| 1983 | 45 | |
| 1984 | 46 | |
| 1985 | 47 | |
| 1986 | 48 | |
| 1987 | 49 | |
| 1988 | 50 | led UN Peacekeeping Operations |
| 1989 | 51 | |
| 1990 | 52 | |
| 1991 | 53 | |
| 1992 | 54 | |
| 1993 | 55 | |
| 1994 | 56 | |
| 1995 | 57 | |
| 1996 | 58 | |
| 1997 | 59 | became UN Secretary-General |
| 1998 | 60 | |
| 1999 | 61 | |
| 2000 | 62 | |
| 2001 | 63 | won the Nobel Peace Prize |
| 2002 | 64 | |
| 2003 | 65 | |
| 2004 | 66 | |
| 2005 | 67 | |
| 2006 | 68 | |
| 2007 | 69 | |
| 2008 | 70 | founded the Kofi Annan Foundation |
| 2009 | 71 | |
| 2010 | 72 | |
| 2011 | 73 | |
| 2012 | 74 | |
| 2013 | 75 | |
| 2014 | 76 | |
| 2015 | 77 | |
| 2016 | 78 | |
| 2017 | 79 | |
| 2018 | 80 | passed away |
