Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.

Stating it was a "personal priority" Annan proposed a Global AIDS and Health Fund to stimulate the increased international spending needed to help developing countries confront the HIV/AIDS crisis. In the late 1980s Annan returned to work for the UN where he was appointed as an Assistant Secretary-General in three consecutive positions: Human Resources Management and Security Coordinator (1987–1990); Program Planning Budget and Finance and Controller (1990–1992); and Peacekeeping Operations (March 1993 – December 1996).

". Kofi Atta Annan (pron. Annan and the United Nations were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize for his founding of the Global AIDS and Health Fund to support developing countries in their struggle to care for their people.