FAQ About Ban Ki-moon

Ban Ki-moon is a South Korean diplomat who served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016. He is recognized for his efforts in advancing global peace, enhancing sustainable development, and addressing climate change.

As UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon prioritized climate change, sustainable development, and humanitarian responses. He played a crucial role in facilitating the Paris Agreement on climate change, launching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and promoting peace in conflict regions.

Ban Ki-moon served as the Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2016.

Before becoming Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon had an extensive career in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. He also served as South Korea's Ambassador to Austria and as Foreign Minister from 2004 to 2006.

Ban Ki-moon was instrumental in mobilizing global action against climate change. His efforts culminated in the successful adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015, aiming to limit global warming and promote environmental sustainability.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), launched in 2015, include 17 goals such as eradicating poverty, ensuring quality education, promoting gender equality, and taking urgent action to combat climate change. These goals serve as a blueprint for achieving a better and more sustainable future.

During his tenure, Ban Ki-moon worked towards conflict resolution and peace-building by leveraging UN diplomatic channels and supporting peacekeeping missions. He actively engaged in discussions to resolve conflicts in regions like the Middle East and Africa.

After his tenure at the UN, Ban Ki-moon continued to advocate for global issues such as climate change and health. He was appointed as the Deputy Chair of The Elders, a group of global leaders working for peace and human rights, and he also co-chairs the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens.

The Paris Agreement is an international treaty adopted in 2015 to combat climate change by limiting global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. Ban Ki-moon played a pivotal role in its development and adoption, organizing multiple diplomatic negotiations to ensure broad support.

Ban Ki-moon's leadership in addressing natural disasters, conflicts, and chronic humanitarian crises showcased his commitment to humanitarian aid. His initiatives included strengthening UN emergency response capabilities and enhancing international cooperation to aid vulnerable populations.

Ban Ki-moon championed the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim in part to end poverty by addressing its root causes, improving access to education, and advancing economic growth and inclusivity. He promoted international collaboration to achieve these objectives.

Ban Ki-moon was a strong advocate for gender equality, launching initiatives such as UN Women, the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. He promoted the inclusion of women in peace processes and decision-making roles within the UN.

Ban Ki-moon was often described as a persistent and diplomatic leader, known for his calm demeanor and ability to navigate complex international issues. His commitment to peace and sustainability was reflected in his proactive approach to these global challenges.

Despite his achievements, Ban Ki-moon faced criticism for his response to certain global crises, such as the conflict in Syria. Some argued that the UN under his leadership could have done more in terms of decisive action and intervention in high-conflict areas.

Ban Ki-moon's leadership was characterized by a collaborative approach, striving to build consensus among member states. This style facilitated significant agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, by encouraging dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

Ban Ki-moon has received multiple awards and honors for his contributions to global peace and sustainability, including the Seoul Peace Prize and the Order of Friendship from Russia. His efforts have been widely recognized by international organizations and governments.

Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) required significant cooperation among countries, financial resources, and overcoming political differences. Ban Ki-moon navigated these challenges by fostering international partnerships and encouraging commitment to the SDGs' objectives.

Ban Ki-moon is known for his advocacy on climate change, once stating, "There is no Plan B because there is no Planet B." This quote underscores his belief in the urgent need for action to protect the planet for future generations.

Ban Ki-moon actively engaged with young people through initiatives like the UN Youth Envoy and supported youth-led organizations. He emphasized the importance of empowering youth to participate in decision-making processes that affect their future.

To enhance the UN's effectiveness, Ban Ki-moon worked on reforming organizational processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing global response mechanisms for humanitarian crises. His efforts aimed to make the UN more adaptive and responsive to global challenges.