Ban Ki-moon

Ban Ki-moon (born June 13, 1944) is a South Korean diplomat who served as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016. He was the first South Korean to hold this position and was re-elected for a second term in 2011.

Early Life and Education

Ban Ki-moon was born in Eumseong County, South Korea, and grew up during the Korean War. He attended Seoul National University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in international relations in 1970. He later received a master's degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 1985.

Diplomatic Career

Ban began his diplomatic career in 1970 when he joined the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He held various positions, including postings in India, Austria, and the United States. From 2004 to 2006, he served as South Korea's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

United Nations Secretary-General

Ban Ki-moon was elected as the Secretary-General of the United Nations in October 2006, succeeding Kofi Annan. His tenure began on January 1, 2007. During his time as Secretary-General, Ban focused on several key issues:

• Climate Change: Ban was a strong advocate for action on climate change, leading efforts to secure the Paris Agreement in 2015.
• Sustainable Development: He played a crucial role in the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Peacekeeping and Security: Ban worked to strengthen UN peacekeeping operations and address conflicts in regions such as Syria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• Human Rights: He emphasized the importance of human rights and gender equality, launching initiatives to combat violence against women and promote the rights of marginalized groups.

Post-UN Career

After leaving the United Nations, Ban continued to be active in global affairs. He has been involved with various organizations, including the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, which focuses on leadership and sustainable development.

Personal Life

Ban Ki-moon is married to Yoo Soon-taek, and they have three children. He is known for his modest and humble demeanor, often described as a "harmonizer" in international diplomacy.

Also see

• United Nations
• Kofi Annan
• Paris Agreement
• Sustainable Development Goals
• South Korea