Annan, Kofi Atta, AN uhn, KOH fee AT uh (1938-...), is a diplomat from Ghana who served as the seventh secretary-general of the United Nations (UN) from 1997 to 2006. He replaced Boutros Boutros-Ghali of Egypt, who held the office from 1992 through 1996. Annan became the first secretary-general from Africa south of the Sahara. He has received praise for his support of human rights and for his campaigns against AIDS and international terrorism. He and the UN won the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts in building peace and security throughout the world.