QuoteProject
Time and again, when member states and the governments are faced with an insoluble problem, and they're under pressure to do something, that something usually ends up being referred to the U.N.
Kofi Annan
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes how countries often turn to the United Nations when they face difficult situations that seem impossible to resolve.

Kofi Annan highlights the role of the United Nations as a critical space for countries seeking solutions to complex and pressing challenges. When member states encounter seemingly insurmountable problems, they frequently feel compelled to refer these issues to the U.N. in hopes of finding a resolution, showcasing the organization's importance in global governance and cooperation.

Themes

United NationsSolutionsGlobal GovernanceLeadershipInternational Cooperation

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech discussing global challenges, one might say, 'As Kofi Annan noted, we often look to the U.N. for solutions when faced with difficulties.'

More from Kofi Annan

If you have a problem and you can't find a solution, you meet again tomorrow and you keep talking until you find a solution. You can disagree with behavior or a particular position, but you do not resort to calling an opponent worthless.
Kofi AnnanRead
Let us remember the large numbers of citizens who, day in and day out, through acts of volunteerism large and small, bring hope to so many of the world's disadvantaged. Let us ensure that this wonderful resource, available in abundance to every nation, is recognized and supported as it works towards a more prosperous and peaceful world.
Kofi AnnanRead
We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race.
Kofi AnnanRead
The global HIV/AIDS epidemic is an unprecedented crisis that requires an unprecedented response. In particular it requires solidarity - between the healthy and the sick, between rich and poor, and above all, between richer and poorer nations. We have 30 million orphans already. How many more do we have to get, to wake up?
Kofi AnnanRead
People of different religions and cultures live side by side in almost every part of the world, and most of us have overlapping identities which unite us with very different groups. We can love what we are, without hating what – and who – we are not. We can thrive in our own tradition, even as we learn from others, and come to respect their teachings.
Kofi AnnanRead
Democracy is, in essence, a form of non-violent conflict management. If war is the worst enemy of development, healthy and balanced development is the best form of conflict prevention.
Kofi AnnanRead

Similar quotes

The appointing power vested in the president imposes delicate and onerous duties. So far as it is possible to be informed, I shall make honesty, capacity, and fidelity indispensable prerequisites to the disposal of office, and the absence of either of these qualities shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal.
Zachary TaylorRead
My dear sisters, whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need you to speak up and speak out in ward and stake councils.
Russell M. NelsonRead
The Scoutmaster who is a hero to his boys holds a powerful lever to their development but at the same time brings a great responsibility on himself. They are quick enough to see the smallest characteristic about him, whether it be a virtue or a vice.
Robert Baden-PowellRead
As a director, you're a bit of a dictator. But I feel that you're a better director if you're open to other people's ideas. It means that it's tougher: you have to be in a choosing process; you have to put the ego aside. As long as everybody's aiming in the same direction... I'm open to my main partners in the film crew.
Denis VilleneuveRead
I was honored to have an opportunity to speak on August 28th, 1963.
John LewisRead
I remember teaching a clinic to other coaches, and a guy raised his hand and asked if I had any advice when it came to coaching women. I leveled him with a death-ray stare, and said, 'Go home and coach basketball.'
Pat SummittRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.