Personal Message by Mr. Kofi Annan
On the Occasion of the Retirement of Dr. Anna Tibaijuka

Dear Anna,
Nane and I want to wish you all the best for your well-deserved retirement. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for the dedication you have shown, and the enormous contribution you have made, to the mission of the United Nations. Your time at the helm of UN-Habitat has seen a small center mature into an important UN programme that stands at the heart of global efforts to ensure the sustainability of our towns and cities. You can take great credit not only for having driven the necessary institutional reforms and having built much-needed public awareness of settlement issues, but also for standing as a sign of hope for the many women, particularly in Africa, that are still refused professional opportunity.

Looking back over your remarkable career you have much to be proud of, but knowing you, you will not rest on your laurels. I am sure you have already set your sights on another noble target and wish you all the best for the new challenges you will be taking on.

With warmest personar regards from us both,

Kofi A. Annan.
Secretary General of the United Nations (1997-2006)