Biographical Note

Nane Annan trained as a lawyer in her native Sweden, worked in the court system there and later joined the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva as a legal officer.In 1983 she moved to New York where she attended two venerable art institutions – the Art Students League and the Studio School – until she set up her own studio in Brooklyn.

Her life changed dramatically when her husband became United Nations Secretary-General in 1996.She often travels with him and visits UN projects.She is especially interested in issues concerning women and initiatives where they have the chance to pull themselves out of poverty, beginning with girls’ education.She visits AIDS hospitals and people living with HIV/AIDS, both in the US and abroad, in an effort to help fight stigma and discrimination and to acknowledge the tremendous courage of those who have come together in support groups.

Mrs. Annan shares her husband’s view that, ultimately, global society will be judged on how well – or how poorly – it treats its weakest and most disadvantaged.She has published two books for children:The United Nations, Come along with me! and Tip & Top, The adventures of two water drops!A portion of the proceeds of both books goes to UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.