Each advance Kofi Annan made in his 10 years as UN secretary general owed everything to his personal commitment, determination, and faith in the future, writes Gordon Brown

When a figure as significant as Kofi Annan dies — as the former UN secretary general aged 80 did in Switzerland on Saturday — diplomatic etiquette decrees a pretty standard statement of respect and recognition from world leaders.

Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan has died at the age of 80.