Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan has died at the age of 80. He passed away early on Saturday in a hospital in Bern, Switzerland. The Kofi Annan Foundation confirmed his death with "immense sadness" in a statement posted on Twitter. Leaders and officials the world over are paying tribute to the human rights giant. Jim Spellman has more on how Annan is being commemorated.  

Around the world, Kofi Annan is being remembered as a diplomat and humanitarian.

RAVINA SHAMDASANI, SPOKESWOMAN UN OFFICE OF HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS "We will remember Kofi Annan most for his dedication to peace and human rights, to his unfailing belief that diplomacy, dialogue, and just that the United Nations works, that we can avoid conflicts, that we can resolve conflicts and that we should never give up."

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley released a statement saying in part: "Kofi Annan devoted his life to making the world a more peaceful place through his compassion and dedication to service. He worked tirelessly to unite us and never stopped fighting for the dignity of every person."

On Twitter UK Prime Minister Theresa May wrote, "He made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "The world has lost not only a great African diplomat and humanitarian but also a conscience keeper of international peace and security."

In a statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin calls Annan a remarkable man and reflected on their personal relationship, writing:

"I sincerely admired his wisdom and courage, and his ability to make balanced decisions even in the most complicated and critical situations. The memory of Kofi Annan will remain in the hearts of Russians forever."

He is also being remembered as a champion of Africa who spent much of his life fighting to make the continent more peaceful and prosperous.

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA "We were filled with pride to see an African leader dealing with world problems and finding solutions for them, so we dip our heads to him in great memory of him."

And in his home country, he is being remembered as a son of Ghana.

IBRAHIM NUHU GHANAIAN STREET VENDOR "We are very proud of him for whatever he has achieved in life. And he has not only made Ghana proud, he has made Africa proud."

JIM SPELLMAN WASHINGTON "In Ghana, flags will fly at half-staff for a week beginning Monday as that country and the entire world mourns the loss of a renowned diplomat. Jim Spellman, CGTN, Washington."