Kofi A. Annan served as the seventh United Nations Secretary-General, from January 1997 to December 2006.
Process in 1996
Nomination of candidates

Recommendation of the Security Council
Official documents
In the news
- Press release: Kofi Annan of Ghana recommended by Security Council as Secretary-General (13 December 1996)
- Press release: Assembly President welcomes Security Council's recommendation of Kofi Annan to be next Secretary-General (13 December 1996)
- Note to Correspondents: Kofi Annan of Ghana, accepting with "humility" nomination as Secretary-General, says "I am eager to begin" (13 December 1996)
- Press release: Kofi Annan of Ghana recommended by Security Council for appointment as Secretary-General of the United Nations (13 December 1996)
Communication of recommendation to the General Assembly
Appointment by the General Assembly
Official documents
In the news
- Press release: General Assembly appoints Kofi Annan of Ghana as seventh Secretary-General (17 December 1996)
- Press release: Assembly President welcomes Secretary-General-Designate into collective endeavour to steer UN course to better serve needs of humanity (17 December 1996)
- Press release: Secretary-General-Designate outlines goals for them, tells Assembly United Nations still has vital role, deserving global attention and support (17 December 1996)
Process in 2001
Nomination of candidates
- Kofi Annan (Ghana)

Recommendation of the Security Council
Official documents
Communication of recommendation to the General Assembly
Appointment by the General Assembly
Official documents
In the news
- UN News: Hailed as leader, reformer, Annan named for 2nd term as UN Secretary-General (29 June 2001)
- Press release: General Assembly adopts Security Council recommendation to appoint Kofi Annan to further term as Secretary-General (29 June 2001)
- Press release: General Assembly adopts Security Council recommendation to appoint Kofi Annan to further term as Secretary-General (29 June 2001)
- Press release: Assembly President congratulates Secretary-General upon appointment to second term of office (29 June 2001)
- Press release: Secretary-General vows continued efforts to make United Nations as effective as possible in service to mankind (29 June 2001)