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Korea Ban Ki-moon is a former United Nations Secretary-General who has championed sustainable development, climate action, and gender equality, now serving as an Elder Emeritus and advocate for global challenges.
Ban Ki-moon launched the 'Common Ground' initiative with advertising's 'Big Six' to rally support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Ban Ki-moon highlighted the importance of data and partnerships for advancing the SDGs in a video for RELX's SDG Resources.
ROK-US Youth Leaders conducted an exclusive interview with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, both virtually and in-person, at the University of Pennsylvania.
Discussed UN peace efforts, including the New Horizons peacekeeping initiative, the Global Field Support Strategy, and relevant issues, as a member of Club de Madrid.
Ban Ki-moon endorsed the State of Global Air Quality Funding 2020 report and called for more funding and cooperation to address air pollution.
Ban Ki-moon discussed how alliances are assisting governments in achieving development priorities through a blog post on The Guardian's Media Network.
Joined Hillary Clinton and business leaders to advocate for women's economic empowerment and rights, as detailed in a UN Women press release.
Appointed as the official Ambassador for the GEMS World Academy Model United Nations.
Joined The Elders in June 2017 after his tenure as UN Secretary-General, focusing on climate adaptation, intergenerational dialogue, and gender equality.
Elected as President and Chair of the GGGI, an intergovernmental organization promoting environmentally sustainable economic growth.
Ban Ki-moon was born on June 13, 1944, in Insei, Chūseihoku Province, Korea, Empire of Japan. Growing up in a war-torn environment, he was inspired by the United Nations’ role in his country’s recovery, fueling his ambition for a career in public service. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Seoul National University in 1970 and later a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University in 1985. His diplomatic career began in 1970 with the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he held various significant postings, including to New Delhi and Washington D.C., and served as Director-General for American Affairs from 1990 to 1992. He also played a key role in inter-Korean relations as Vice Chairman of the South-North Joint Nuclear Control Commission in 1992. From 2004 to 2006, he served as South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where he focused on global challenges and humanitarian efforts. He actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue at the Six-party talks in Beijing in 2005.
In 2007, Ban Ki-moon was elected the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations, a position he held until 2016. His tenure was marked by significant initiatives, including the 2007 Climate Change Summit, which brought global attention to climate issues, and extensive efforts to advance the Millennium Development Goals, securing over $60 billion in pledges. He consistently advocated for gender equality, successfully campaigning for the establishment of UN Women and launching initiatives such as “Unite to End Violence against Women.” Within the UN, he increased the number of women in senior management by over 40%. He also spearheaded reforms aimed at enhancing the organization’s transparency and efficiency, including stricter financial disclosure and harmonized business practices. He was unanimously re-elected for a second term in 2011.
Post-United Nations, Mr. Ban continues his commitment to global issues. In 2017, he co-founded the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens in Vienna, focusing on youth and women empowerment within the Sustainable Development Goals framework. He also joined The Elders in 2017, a human rights group established by Nelson Mandela, and became its Deputy Chair in 2018. In 2018, he was elected President and Chair of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), advocating for environmentally sustainable economic growth. He has also been a vocal supporter of initiatives like the Green New Deal.
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