Kofi Annan’s Legacy

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/20/opinion/letters/kofi-annan-united-nations-death.html

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To the Editor:

Re “Kofi Annan, Former U.N. Secretary General, Dies at 80” (front page, Aug. 19):

Mr. Annan was a global leader for peace who embodied the values of the United Nations. He was also very kind and caring, and he treated all equally, whether they were kings or refugees.

I will always remember his 2006 visit to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Liberia, where I served. The day he visited happened to be the 12th birthday of my daughter, Juliet. I told him I was pleased to serve in the mission but sorry to miss my child’s celebration. He immediately told me to get her on the phone. He and his wife, Nane, then gave the most heartfelt and loving birthday greetings to a child whose dad was far away. No staff member prompting him. Just the reaction of a caring person.

His actions that day, like those throughout his life, remind us of the qualities of true leaders for peace.

Jordan RyanDecatur, Ga. The writer is the vice president for peace programs at the Carter Center.