Kofi Annan

"Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance."

"In the 21st century, I believe the mission of the United Nations will be defined by a new, more profound awareness of the sanctity and dignity of every human life, regardless of race or religion."

"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family."

"More countries have understood that women's equality is a prerequisite for development."

"Often we mistake stability, in terms of security and economic activity, to mean a country is doing well. We forget the third and important pillar: rule of law and respect for human rights."

"One has to have the strength of character to say the time has come to move on... unless you are a king."

"The Lord had the wonderful advantage of being able to work alone."

"The question is the morning after. What sort of Iraq do we wake up to after the bombing? What happens in the region? What impact could it have? These are questions leaders I have spoken to have posed."