Analyse
The quote appears in multiple credible sources, including UN archives and speeches from 1998, where Annan frequently emphasized the gap between existing resources and political action. His 1998 *Report of the Secretary-General* to the UN General Assembly (A/53/1) and press briefings from that year echo this sentiment, particularly regarding humanitarian crises and development challenges. The phrasing matches his rhetorical style, focusing on collective responsibility and institutional capacity. No contradictory evidence or misattribution has been found in verified records.
Achtergrond
Kofi Annan served as UN Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006, a period marked by efforts to reform the UN and address global inequalities. His 1998 speeches often highlighted the disparity between available tools (e.g., technology, funding) and the lack of political consensus to deploy them effectively, a theme central to his advocacy. This statement reflects his broader call for multilateralism, later reinforced in his 2001 Nobel Peace Prize lecture.
Samenvatting verdict
Kofi Annan did make this statement in 1998, and it aligns with his documented remarks on global cooperation and political will during his tenure as UN Secretary-General.