The secretary general bids farewell Politics Dec 12, 2006 Kofi Annan, who has served as secreatry general of the United Nations for 10 years, called for the United States to embrace multi-lateralism, human rights and fighting poverty in a farewell address Monday at the Truman Library in Independence, Mo. Stay Informed Subscribe to our politics newsletter. Email Address* Zip Code See our Privacy Policy. Must be age 13.