(Image source from: www.bbc.co.uk)

Former United Stations secretary-general Kofi Annan died on Saturday has died, aged 80, international diplomats say.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work.

The foundation named after him said on Saturday that he "passed away peacefully on Saturday after a short illness".

Serving from 1997 to 2006, Annan was the first black African to take up the role of the world's top diplomat and later he served as the UN special envoy for Syria, leading endeavors to find a peaceful result to the conflict.

In a statement announcing his death, the Kofi Annan Foundation described him as a "global statesman and deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world".

"Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy. He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth, and brilliance in all he did."

Annan's tenure as UN secretary-general coincided with the Iraq War and the HIV/Aids pandemic.

By Sowmya Sangam