Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.

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.