Kofi A. Annan was the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, serving two terms from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2006, and was the first to emerge from the ranks of United Nations staff. In 2001, Kofi Annan and the United Nations were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2007, Kofi Annan established the Kofi Annan Foundation to promote better global governance and strengthen the capacities of people and countries to achieve a fairer and more secure world. In addition, Mr. Annan is Chair of the Elders.