Kofi Annan, who served as the Secretary-General for the United Nations from 1997-2006, passed away peacefully on Saturday Maria Pasquini is a Senior News Editor for PEOPLE, covering Human Interest.

The U.S. did not have the support in the Security Council,” Annan recalled in the videotaped interview posted on The Kofi Annan Foundation’s website.“So they decided to go without the council. But I ...

* Former U.N. chief sees global security risks from climate * Warns global warming more dangerous longer world delays * Says new White House may help push for post-Kyoto accord (Recasts with Kofi ...

Kofi Annan, one of the world's most celebrated diplomats and a charismatic symbol of the United Nations who rose through its ranks to become the first black African secretary-general, has died. He was ...