Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan remembered by Bay Area non-profit

Byby Cornell Barnard KGO logo
Sunday, August 19, 2018
Bay Area non-profit remembers former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Marin County-based humanitarian nonprofit, Roots of Peace credits celebrated diplomat, Kofi Annan as the first person to believe in their cause.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Marin County-based humanitarian nonprofit, Roots of Peace credits celebrated diplomat, Kofi Annan as the first person to believe in their cause. Annan died Saturday. He was 80.

"Because of his belief in my dream it gave me confidence to take that footstep after footstep," said Heidi Kuhn, Roots of Peace founder.

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Kuhn calls Annan a friend, she is now mourning his loss.

Roots of Peace assists war torn regions around the world safely remove landmines then replacing the earth with thriving vineyards and orchards, helping communities become more sustainable.

Annan has long supported the group's efforts.

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In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo, actor Max von Sydow poses at the International Film Festival Berlinale, in Berlin.
AP Photo/Gero Breloer, File

"Today I thank you Kofi Annan and for the millions of farmers benefiting by turning mines into vines, he was a very special man," Kuhn added.

Kuhn wears a treasured pin in the shape of a conch shell, a gift from Annan.

"He presented it to me and said thank you for listening to the earth," said Kuhn.