Turnbull honours former UN head Kofi Annan

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has paid tribute to former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, who has died in Switzerland, aged 80.

"We pay tribute to the life and work of Kofi Annan, we mourn his passing," Mr Turnbull told reporters in NSW on Sunday.

"He was a great statesman, a great international statesman, and we send our condolences and love to his family."

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten reflected on one of Mr Annan's most famous quotes: "Suffering anywhere concerns people everywhere."

"Vale Kofi Annan, a life dedicated to promoting peace and eradicating poverty," Mr Shorten posted to social media.