Kofi Annan was a Ghanaian diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1997 to 2006. He was the first sub-Saharan African to hold this position and played a crucial role in various global issues, including peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts. Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001, alongside the United Nations, for their work in fostering a better organized and more peaceful world. His legacy includes a commitment to human rights and sustainable development, making him a respected figure in international relations.