View source for Ban Ki-moon

{{Short description|UN Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016}}
{{family name hatnote|Ban||lang=Korean}}<!-- This article uses efn surname clarification. Please do not add a family name hatnote. -->
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Ban Ki-moon
| native_name         = {{nobold|반기문}}
| native_name_lang    = ko
| image               = File:Ban Ki-moon February 2016.jpg
| caption             = Ban in 2016
| office              = 8th [[Secretary-General of the United Nations]]
| deputy              = {{ubl | [[Asha-Rose Migiro]] | [[Jan Eliasson]] }}
| term_start          = 1 January 2007
| term_end            = 31 December 2016
| predecessor         = [[Kofi Annan]]
| successor           = [[António Guterres]]
| office1             = [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (South Korea)|Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade]]
| president1          = [[Roh Moo-hyun]]
| term_start1         = 17 January 2004
| term_end1           = 1 December 2006
| predecessor1        = [[Yoon Young-kwan]]
| successor1          = [[Song Min-soon]]
| birth_date          = {{birth date and age|1944|6|13|df=y}}
| birth_place         = [[Eumseong County|Insei]], [[Chūseihoku Province]], [[Korea under Japanese rule|Korea, Empire of Japan]]
| death_date          = 
| death_place         = 
| party               = [[Independent politician|Independent]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|Yoo Soon-taek|1971}}
| children            = 3
| signature           = Ban Ki Moon Signature.svg
| education           = {{ubl | [[Seoul National University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]]) | [[Harvard University]] ([[Master of Public Administration|MPA]]) }}
| module              = {{Listen voice|filename=Ban Ki-moon voice.ogg|description=Ban addressing the [[Universal Postal Union]]<br />Recorded 13 April 2015}}
| module2             = {{Infobox Korean name/auto
|child=yes
|hangul     = %반기문
|hanja      = 潘基文
|ipa  = panɡimun<!-- Please do not change to [ban.ɡi.mun]. Hangeul "ㅂ" is voiceless in an initial position. -->
}}
}}
'''Ban Ki-moon'''{{efn|{{Korean|hangul=반기문}}{{IPA|ko|pan.ɡi.mun|}}}} (born 13 June 1944) is a South Korean politician and diplomat who served as the eighth [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|secretary-general of the United Nations]] between 2007 and 2016. Prior to his appointment as secretary-general, Ban was the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (South Korea)|South Korean minister of foreign affairs and trade]] between 2004 and 2006. Ban was initially considered to be a long shot for the office of Secretary-General of the United Nations; he began to campaign for the office in February 2006. As the foreign minister of South Korea, he was able to travel to all the countries on the [[United Nations Security Council]], a manoeuvre that subsequently turned him into the campaign's front-runner.

On 13 October 2006, Ban was elected as the [[Secretary-General of the United Nations#List of Secretaries-General|eighth secretary-general]] by the [[United Nations General Assembly]]. On 1 January 2007, he succeeded [[Kofi Annan]]. As secretary-general, he was responsible for several major reforms on peacekeeping and UN employment practices around the world. Diplomatically, Ban has taken particularly strong views on [[global warming]], pressing the issue repeatedly with U.S. President [[George W. Bush]], and on the [[Darfur conflict]], where he helped persuade Sudanese president [[Omar al-Bashir]] to allow peacekeeping troops to enter [[Sudan]].<ref name="Guardian1-27">{{Cite news|date = 27 January 2011|url = https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/jan/27/ban-ki-moon-un-climate-change-talks|title = Ban Ki-moon ends hands-on involvement in climate change talks|work = [[The Guardian]]|author = [[Suzanne Goldenberg]]|access-date = 11 December 2016|archive-date = 17 September 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210917051030/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2011/jan/27/ban-ki-moon-un-climate-change-talks|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="WPost4-17">{{Cite news|date = 17 April 2007|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/16/AR2007041601508.html|title = Sudan To Allow U.N. Force in Darfur|newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]|author = Lynch, Colum|access-date = 24 August 2017|archive-date = 14 October 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171014071937/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/16/AR2007041601508.html|url-status = live}}</ref> Ban was named the world's 32nd most powerful person by the [[Forbes list of The World's Most Powerful People|''Forbes'' list of The World's Most Powerful People]] in 2013, the highest among South Koreans.<ref>{{cite web|work=[[Forbes]]|title=Ban Ki-moon|url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/lmh45kjle/no-32-ban-ki-moon/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102003305/http://www.forbes.com/pictures/lmh45kjle/no-32-ban-ki-moon/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 November 2013}}</ref> In 2014, he was named the third most powerful South Korean after [[Lee Kun-hee]] and [[Lee Jae-yong (businessman)|Lee Jae-yong]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/powerful-people/list/#tab:overall|title=The World's Most Powerful People|work=Forbes|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-date=25 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225092237/https://www.forbes.com/powerful-people/list/#tab:overall|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, ''[[Foreign Policy]]'' named Ban one of the Top 100 Global Thinkers for his achievement of helping the [[Paris Agreement]] to be ratified and enforced less than a year after it was adopted.<ref name="fpgt2016">{{cite web |title=FP Global Thinkers 2016 |url=https://gt.foreignpolicy.com/2016/profile/ban-ki-moon |work=Foreign Policy |date=12 December 2016 |access-date=9 January 2017 |archive-date=11 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220311000742/https://2016globalthinkers.foreignpolicy.com/2016/profile/ban-ki-moon?3fa4cfa909= |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[António Guterres]] was [[2016 United Nations Secretary-General selection|appointed by the General Assembly on 13 October 2016]] to be the successor of Ban Ki-moon as he exited on 31 December 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55285|title=António Guterres appointed next UN Secretary-General by acclamation|work=UN News Centre|date=13 October 2016|access-date=14 October 2016|archive-date=13 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161013151348/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55285|url-status=live}}</ref> He was widely considered to be a potential candidate for the [[2017 South Korean presidential election]],<ref name="Foreign Policy 2016">{{Cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2016/12/28/with-an-eye-on-south-koreas-presidency-ban-ki-moon-seeks-to-burnish-his-u-n-legacy/|title=With an Eye on South Korea's Presidency, Ban Ki-moon Seeks to Burnish his U.N. Legacy|website=Foreign Policy|date=28 December 2016 |access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=17 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917092808/https://foreignpolicy.com/2016/12/28/with-an-eye-on-south-koreas-presidency-ban-ki-moon-seeks-to-burnish-his-u-n-legacy/|url-status=live}}</ref> before announcing, on 1 February, that he would not be running.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/former-u-n-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-drops-out-of-south-korean-presidential-race-1485931698|title=Ban Ki-moon Drops Out of South Korean Presidential Race|last=Cheng|first=Jonathan|date=1 February 2017|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|issn=0099-9660|access-date=1 February 2017|archive-date=25 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125014920/https://www.wsj.com/articles/former-u-n-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-drops-out-of-south-korean-presidential-race-1485931698|url-status=live}}</ref> On 14 September 2017, Ban was elected chair of the [[International Olympic Committee]]'s Ethics Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-elects-former-united-nations-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-to-head-its-ethics-commission|title = IOC elects former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to head its Ethics Commission|date = 29 April 2021|access-date = 12 October 2017|archive-date = 5 March 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210305044957/https://www.olympic.org/news/ioc-elects-former-united-nations-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-to-head-its-ethics-commission|url-status = live}}</ref> Also in 2017, Ban co-founded the nonprofit Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens. He also currently serves as the Distinguished Chair Professor at [[Yonsei University]]'s Institute for Global Engagement and Empowerment.<ref name="BKM Yonsei">{{Cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3034398|title=Ban Ki-Moon to begin his tenure at Yonsei|website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|date=8 June 2017|access-date=16 August 2018|archive-date=6 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806201450/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3034398|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 February 2018, Ban was unanimously elected as the president of the Assembly and chair of the council by all members of the Assembly and council, respectively, the two governance organs of the [[Global Green Growth Institute]] (GGGI), a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. Since Ban's election as the president and chair, GGGI's list of member states has expanded from 27 to 48 member countries and regional integration organizations. On 16 October 2018, the Global Commission on Adaptation was launched with Ban as co-chair, together with [[Bill Gates]] and [[Kristalina Georgieva]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=The U.N.'s Climate Report Shows How Badly Wrong Leaders Like Trump Have Got Climate Change|url=https://time.com/5416793/climate-change-ban-ki-moon-trump/|access-date=18 August 2021|magazine=Time|language=en|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818113807/https://time.com/5416793/climate-change-ban-ki-moon-trump/|url-status=live}}</ref> The commission's mandate to accelerate adaptation by elevating the political visibility of adaptation and focusing on concrete solutions came to an end following its Year of Action in 2020, with its work showcased at the Climate Adaptation Summit hosted by the Netherlands on 25 January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hub|first=IISD's SDG Knowledge|title=Climate Adaptation Summit Launches Adaptation Action Agenda 2030 {{!}} News {{!}} SDG Knowledge Hub {{!}} IISD|url=https://sdg.iisd.org/news/climate-adaptation-summit-launches-adaptation-action-agenda-2030/|access-date=18 August 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818113807/https://sdg.iisd.org/news/climate-adaptation-summit-launches-adaptation-action-agenda-2030/|url-status=live}}</ref> Ban currently serves as co-chair for the [[Global Centre of Excellence on Climate Adaptation|Global Center on Adaptation]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Leadership & Governance|url=https://gca.org/leadership-governance/|access-date=18 August 2021|website=Global Center on Adaptation|language=en-US|archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812174122/https://gca.org/leadership-governance/|url-status=live}}</ref> which is taking forward the commission's work through its programs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Global Commission on Adaptation|url=https://gca.org/about-us/the-global-commission-on-adaptation/|access-date=18 August 2021|website=Global Center on Adaptation|language=en-US|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217054943/https://gca.org/about-us/the-global-commission-on-adaptation/|url-status=live}}</ref> He became the first major international diplomat to throw his weight behind the [[Green New Deal]], a nascent effort by the progressive wing of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in the United States to zero out planet-warming emissions and end poverty over the next decade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ban-ki-moon-green-new-deal_us_5c4a32bae4b0287e5b893145|title=Former UN Leader Ban Ki-moon Just Endorsed Democrats' Fight for a Green New Deal|website=Huffingtonpost|date=25 January 2019|access-date=25 January 2019|archive-date=18 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190318081850/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ban-ki-moon-green-new-deal_us_5c4a32bae4b0287e5b893145|url-status=live}}</ref>{{TOC limit|4}}

==Early life and education==
Ban was born on 13 June 1944 in the small farming village of Haengchi, Wonnam Township (''-myeon''), in [[Eumseong County|Insei]], [[Chūseihoku Province]], [[Korea under Japanese rule|Korea, Empire of Japan]]<ref>p. 493, "Local Administration, Chapter XXIV: Korea (Chōsen)," The Japan-Manchukuo Year Book 1938, Japan-Manchukuo Year Book Co., Kojimachi-ku, Tokyo</ref> (now [[North Chungcheong Province]], South Korea).<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.eumseong.go.kr/english/contents.do?key=933 |title = Welcomto Eumseong |access-date = 14 May 2016 |archive-date = 7 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307200332/http://eumseong.go.kr/english/contents.do?key=933 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="Times12-09">{{Cite news|date = 9 December 2006|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/09/world/asia/09ban.html|title = For New U.N. Chief, a Past Misstep Leads to Opportunity|work = [[The New York Times]]|author = [[Warren Hoge]]|access-date = 21 February 2017|archive-date = 22 July 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160722032444/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/09/world/asia/09ban.html|url-status = live}}</ref> He is of the Gwangju Ban clan.<ref>{{Cite web |last=김 |first=지현 |date=16 January 2017 |script-title=ko:반기문은 15대 할아버지처럼 할 수 있을까 |url=https://www.ohmynews.com/NWS_Web/View/at_pg.aspx?CNTN_CD=A0002279622 |access-date=17 October 2023 |website=[[OhmyNews]] |language=ko}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See unreliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=November 2024}} His family then moved to the nearby town of [[Chungju]], where he grew up.<ref name="NYT 12-22"/> During Ban's childhood, his father had a warehouse business, but the warehouse went bankrupt and the family lost its middle-class standard of living. When Ban was six, his family fled to a remote mountainside for much of the [[Korean War]].<ref name="Times12-09"/> After the war ended, his family returned to [[Chungju]]. Ban has said that, during this time, he met American soldiers.<ref name="LAT10-09"/>

During his secondary school education at [[Chungju High School]], Ban was part of the local [[Scouting|Scout movement]]<ref>{{Citation |title=Mr. Ban Ki Moon - Message to WSPU | date=8 December 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETM7fPITu3g |access-date=16 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> while he also became a star student, particularly in his studies of the [[English language]]. In 1962, Ban won an essay contest sponsored by the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] and earned a trip to the [[United States]] where he lived in [[San Francisco, California|San Francisco]] with a host family for several months.<ref name="FT10-10"/> As part of the trip, Ban met U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy]].<ref name="Times12-09"/> When a journalist at the meeting asked Ban what he wanted to be when he grew up, he said, "I want to become a diplomat."<ref name="LAT10-09"/>

Ban graduated from [[Seoul National University]] in 1970 with a [[bachelor's degree]] in [[international relations]]. He subsequently went on to complete a [[Master of Public Administration]] degree at the [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] at [[Harvard University]] in 1985.<ref name="LAT10-09">{{Cite news|title = Aspiring U.N. Chief Is a Harmonizer, Not a Rock Star; South Korean career diplomat Ban Ki-moon may lack charisma, but he has many fans|work = [[Los Angeles Times]]|author = Maggie Farley and Bruce Wallace|date = 9 October 2006}}</ref> At Harvard, he studied under [[Joseph Nye]], who remarked that Ban had "a rare combination of analytic clarity, humility and perseverance".<ref name="FT10-10"/>

In addition to his native [[Korean language|Korean]], Ban speaks [[English language|English]] and [[French language|French]]. According to a retired UN official, "one of Ban's biggest handicaps was his lack of fluency in English, which made it difficult for him to win over audiences in the US and elsewhere."<ref>{{cite news |title=Disquiet grows over performance of Ban Ki-moon, UN's 'invisible man' |date=22 July 2010 |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/22/ban-ki-moon-secretary-general-un |access-date=28 September 2016 |archive-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005214903/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/22/ban-ki-moon-secretary-general-un |url-status=live }}</ref> There have also been questions, however, regarding the extent of his knowledge of French, one of the two [[working language]]s of the [[United Nations Secretariat]].<ref name=Phoney/>

==Career==

===Diplomatic career===
{{multiple image| direction = vertical| width = 250| align = right| image1 = Ban Ki-moon and Condoleezza Rice.jpg| caption1 = Ban, left, with [[United States Secretary of State|U.S. Secretary of State]] [[Condoleezza Rice]] in January 2006| image2 = Ban Ki-moon, Mrs Ban, Peter Krämer and Jaka Bizilj.jpg| caption2 = Left to right: Peter Krämer, Yoo Soon-taek, [[Jaka Bizilj]], and Ban at [[Sports for Peace]] in July 2010}}
After graduating from university, Ban received the top score on Korea's foreign service exam. He joined the [[Foreign relations of South Korea|Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] in May 1970 and worked his way up the career ladder during the years of the [[Yusin Constitution]].<ref name="FT10-10"/>

Ban's first overseas posting was to [[New Delhi]], India, where he served as vice consul and impressed many of his superiors in the foreign ministry with his competence. Ban reportedly accepted a posting to India rather than the United States, because in India he would be able to save more money to send to his family.<ref name=BBCprofile/><ref name=KH/> In 1974 he received his first posting to the United Nations, as First Secretary of the South Permanent Observer Mission (South Korea became a full UN member-state on 17 September 1991).<ref name="NYT10-03">{{Cite news|title = Council Backs South Korean for U.N. Secretary General|work = [[The New York Times]]|author = [[Warren Hoge]]|date = 3 October 2006}}</ref> After [[Park Chung Hee]]'s 1979 assassination, Ban assumed the post of director of the United Nations Division.

In 1980, Ban became director of the United Nations' International Organizations and Treaties Bureau, headquartered in [[Seoul]].<ref name=KH/> He has been posted twice to the South Korean embassy in [[Washington, D. C.]] Between these two assignments he served as Director-General for American Affairs in 1990–92. In 1992, he became Vice Chairman of the South-North Joint Nuclear Control Commission, following the adoption by South and North Korea of the Joint Declaration of the Denuclearization of the [[Korean Peninsula]].<ref name=BBCprofile/> From 1993 to 1994 Ban was Korea's deputy ambassador to the United States. He was promoted to the position of deputy minister for policy planning and international organizations in 1995 and then appointed national security advisor to the president in 1996.<ref name=KH/> Ban's lengthy career overseas has been credited with helping him avoid South Korea's unforgiving political environment.<ref name="Time">{{Cite magazine|url =http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1543932,00.html|archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20061104180556/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C1543932%2C00.html|url-status =dead|archive-date =4 November 2006|title = Can This Guy Run the U.N.?|date = 16 October 2006|magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]]}}</ref>

Ban was appointed [[ambassador]] to [[Austria]] and [[Slovenia]] in 1998, and a year later he was also elected as chairman of the Preparatory Commission for the [[Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization]] (CTBTO PrepCom). During the negotiations, in what Ban considers the biggest blunder of his career, he included in a public letter a positive statement about the [[Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty]] in 2001, not long after the United States had decided to abandon the treaty. To avoid anger from the United States, Ban was fired by President [[Kim Dae-jung]], who also issued a public apology for Ban's statement.<ref name="Times12-09"/>

Ban was unemployed for the only time in his career and was expecting to receive an assignment to work in a remote and unimportant embassy.<ref name="Times12-09"/> In 2001, during the 56th Session of the [[United Nations General Assembly]], South Korea held the rotating presidency, and to Ban's surprise, he was selected to be the chief of staff to general assembly president [[Han Seung-soo]].<ref name="Times10-14">{{Cite news|work = The New York Times|date = 14 October 2006|title = South Korean Is Appointed Secretary General of the U.N.|author = Warren Hoge}}</ref> In 2003, incoming president [[Roh Moo-hyun]] selected Ban as one of his foreign policy advisors.<ref name=KH/>

====Foreign minister of South Korea====
In 2004, Ban replaced the resigning [[Yoon Young-kwan]] as foreign minister of South Korea under president [[Roh Moo-hyun]].<ref name="LAT10-09"/> At the beginning of his term, Ban was faced with two major crises: in June 2004 [[Kim Sun-il]], a South Korean working as an Arabic translator, was kidnapped and killed in Iraq by [[Islamism|Islamic extremists]]; and in December 2004 dozens of Koreans died in the [[2004 Indian Ocean earthquake|2004 Indian Ocean tsunami]]. Ban survived scrutiny from lawmakers and saw an upturn in his popularity when talks began with North Korea.<ref name=KH>{{Cite news|title = Ban surges toward next career step|author = Lee Joo-hee|work = [[The Korea Herald]]|date = 15 February 2006}}</ref> Ban became actively involved in issues relating to North-South Korean relationships.<ref name=BBCprofile>{{cite news|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5401856.stm|title = Profile: Ban Ki-moon|work = [[BBC News]]|date = 13 October 2006|access-date =4 August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070911051025/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5401856.stm| archive-date= 11 September 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> In September 2005, as [[foreign minister]], he played a leading role in the diplomatic efforts to adopt the Joint Statement on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue at the fourth round of the [[Six-party talks]] held in [[Beijing]].<ref name="Official Bio"/><ref name="Newsweek">{{Cite news|url = http://www.newsweek.com/id/45039|title = A Baptism by Fire; Even before taking office, the newly elected secretary-general of the United Nations is confronted with a global crisis|date = 23 October 2006|author = [[Lally Weymouth]]|work = [[Newsweek]]|access-date = 24 February 2008|archive-date = 19 October 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071019032336/http://newsweek.com/id/45039|url-status = live}}</ref>

As foreign minister, Ban oversaw the trade and aid policies of South Korea. This work put Ban in the position of signing trade deals and delivering foreign assistance to diplomats who would later be influential in his candidacy for secretary-general. For example, Ban became the first senior South Korean minister to travel to the [[Republic of the Congo]] since its independence in 1960.<ref name=WashPost0929>{{Cite news|title = S. Korean Contender for U.N. Post Has an Edge; Ban Ki Moon's Rivals Complain About His Role in Foreign Aid and Trade Policy|newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]|author = Colum Lynch|date = 29 September 2006}}</ref>

===United Nations career===

====Campaign for secretary-general: 2007====
{{See also|2006 United Nations Secretary-General selection}}
{| class="floatright" style="white-space:nowrap; clear:right; margin-left:1em; margin-right:0; font-size:90%; width:auto; border-spacing:0px; border: 1px solid #a2a9b1; background-color: #f8f9fa;"
|+2007 Secretary-General candidates<ref name="NYT09-29">{{Cite news|title = South Korean Favored to Win Top Job at U.N.|author = [[Warren Hoge]]|work = [[The New York Times]]|date = 29 September 2006}}</ref>
|- 
! scope="col" style="border-bottom: solid 2px black;" | {{sronly|Nationality}}
! scope="col" style="border-bottom: solid 2px black; text-align:left;" | Name
! scope="col" style="border-bottom: solid 2px black; text-align:left;" | Position
|-
|{{Flagicon|South Korea}}
|'''Ban Ki-moon'''
|South Korean [[foreign minister]]
|-
|{{Flagicon|India}}
|[[Shashi Tharoor]]
| [[Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations]] for public information; from India
|-
|{{Flagicon|Latvia}}
|[[Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga]]
| President of Latvia
|-
|{{Flagicon|Afghanistan|2004}}
|[[Ashraf Ghani]]
|Chancellor of [[Kabul University]], Afghanistan
|-
|{{Flagicon|Thailand}}
|[[Surakiart Sathirathai]]
| Deputy prime minister of Thailand
|-
|{{Flagicon|Jordan}}
|[[Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad]]
| Jordan's ambassador to the United Nations
|-
|{{Flagicon|Sri Lanka}}
|[[Jayantha Dhanapala]]
| Former Under-Secretary-General for disarmament; from Sri Lanka
|}
In February 2006, Ban declared his candidacy to replace [[Kofi Annan]] as UN Secretary-General at the end of 2006, becoming the first South Korean to run for the office.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200602/kt2006021416334111990.htm|title=Minister Ban to Run for Top UN Job|author=Park Song-wu|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=28 September 2006|date=14 February 2006}}{{dead link|date=February 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Though Ban was the first to announce a candidacy, he was not originally considered a serious contender.<ref name="FT10-10">{{Cite news|title = Relentless pursuit brings a challenge close to home; Profile Ban Ki-moon|work = [[Financial Times]]|author = Anna Fifield|date = 10 October 2006}}</ref>

Over the next eight months, Ban made ministerial visits to each of the 15 countries with a seat on the Security Council.<ref name="LAT10-09"/> Of the seven candidates, he topped each of the four [[straw poll]]s conducted by the [[United Nations Security Council]]: on 24 July,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unsg.org/wordpress/archives/115|title=Ban takes 1st Straw Poll|work=UNSG.org]|date=24 July 2006|access-date=28 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808050637/http://unsg.org/wordpress/archives/115 |archive-date=8 August 2007}}</ref> 14 September,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unsg.org/wordpress/archives/138|title=Ban firms up lead in second Straw Poll|work=UNSG.org]|date=14 September 2006|access-date=28 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612093608/http://www.unsg.org/wordpress/archives/138 |archive-date=12 June 2009}}</ref> 28 September,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unsg.org/wordpress/archives/164|title=Ban slips but holds, Vīķe-Freiberga pushes into third|work=UNSG.org]|date=28 September 2006|access-date=28 September 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612093630/http://www.unsg.org/wordpress/archives/164 |archive-date=12 June 2009}}</ref> and 2 October.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unsg.org/wordpress/archives/170|title=Ban Ki-moon wins|work=UNSG.org]|date=2 October 2006|access-date=2 October 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20061104211923/http://www.unsg.org/wordpress/archives/170|archive-date=4 November 2006|url-status= dead}}</ref>

During the period in which these polls took place, Ban made major speeches to the [[Asia Society]] and the [[Council on Foreign Relations]] in [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.asiasource.org/news/special_reports/kimoon.cfm|publisher = Asiasource.org|title = Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon interview|date = 26 September 2006|access-date = 2 August 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070804044245/http://www.asiasource.org/news/special_reports/kimoon.cfm|archive-date = 4 August 2007|url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.asiasociety.org/speeches/06ny_ban.html|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061001150102/http://www.asiasociety.org/speeches/06ny_ban.html|url-status = dead|archive-date = 1 October 2006|date = 25 September 2006|access-date = 2 August 2007|work = Ban Ki-moon address to Asia Society (transcript)|title = The Quest for Peace and Prosperity in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond}}</ref> To be confirmed, Ban needed not only to win the support of the diplomatic community, but also to be able to avoid a veto from any of the five permanent members of the council: [[People's Republic of China]], [[France]], [[Russia]], the [[United Kingdom]], and the [[United States]]. Ban was popular in Washington for having pushed to send South Korean troops to Iraq, and had the support of the [[Presidency of George W. Bush|Bush administration]] as he pursued the position.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gamage |first=Daya |date=30 April 2010 |title=UN's Lynn Pascoe cannot avoid being influenced by US State Department agenda on Sri Lanka |url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/04/30/un%E2%80%99s-lynn-pascoe-cannot-avoid-being-influenced-us-state-department-agenda-sri-lanka |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120523212922/http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/04/30/un%E2%80%99s-lynn-pascoe-cannot-avoid-being-influenced-us-state-department-agenda-sri-lanka |archive-date=23 May 2012 |access-date=7 June 2011 |website=Asian Tribune}}</ref> But Ban also opposed several U.S. positions: he expressed his support for the [[International Criminal Court]] and favoured an entirely non-confrontational approach to dealing with North Korea.<ref name="LAT10-09"/> Ban said during his campaign that he would like to visit North Korea in person to meet with [[Kim Jong Il]] directly.<ref name="Newsweek"/> Ban was viewed as a stark contrast from Kofi Annan, who was considered charismatic, but perceived as a weak manager because of problems surrounding the UN's oil-for-food program in [[Iraq]].<ref name="Economist10-07">{{Cite news|url = http://www.unsgselection.org/files/Economist_EnterMrBan_7Oct06.pdf|title = Enter Mr Ban; The UN's new secretary-general|newspaper = [[The Economist]]|date = 7 October 2006|access-date = 24 February 2008|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080226215119/http://www.unsgselection.org/files/Economist_EnterMrBan_7Oct06.pdf|archive-date = 26 February 2008|url-status = dead}}</ref>

Ban struggled to win the approval of France. His official biography states that he speaks both [[English language|English]] and [[French language|French]], the two working languages of the UN Secretariat. However, he has repeatedly struggled to answer questions in French from journalists.<ref name=Phoney>{{Cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/reportsfromabroad/herland/20061214.html|title=Is Ban Ki-moon a franco-phoney?|work = [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC News]]|date = 14 December 2006|access-date =2 August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070711132843/http://www.cbc.ca/news/reportsfromabroad/herland/20061214.html| archive-date= 11 July 2007 | url-status= dead}}</ref> Ban has repeatedly acknowledged his limitations at French, but assured French diplomats that he was devoted to continuing his study. At a press conference on 11 January 2007, Ban remarked, "My French perhaps could be improved, and I am continuing to work. I have taken French lessons over the last few months. I think that, even if my French isn't perfect, I will continue to study it."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2407 |publisher=[[United Nations]] |title=Secretary-General's press conference |date=11 January 2007 |access-date=2 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070912151443/http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2407 |archive-date=12 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As the secretary-general election drew closer, there was rising criticism of the South Korean campaign on Ban's behalf. Specifically, his alleged practice of systematically visiting all member states of the Security Council in his role as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade to secure votes in his support by signing trade deals with European countries and pledging [[aid]] to [[developing country|developing countries]] was the focus of many news articles.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,25689-2380336,00.html|title=Millions of dollars and a piano may put Korean in UN's top job|work=[[The Times]]|date=26 September 2006|access-date=2 August 2007|location=London|first1=Richard|last1=Beeston|first2=James|last2=Bone|archive-date=3 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003154718/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to ''[[The Washington Post]]'', "rivals have privately grumbled that Republic of Korea, which has the world's 11th-largest economy, has wielded its economic might to generate support for his candidacy". Ban reportedly said that these insinuations were "groundless". In an interview on 17 September 2006 he stated: "As front-runner, I know that I can become a target of this very scrutinizing process", and that he was "a man of integrity".<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/28/AR2006092801765.html|newspaper = The Washington Post|date = 28 September 2006|access-date = 2 August 2007|title = S. Korean Contender for U.N. Post Has an Edge|first = Colum|last = Lynch|archive-date = 9 November 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121109002505/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/28/AR2006092801765.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

In the final informal poll on 2 October, Ban received fourteen favourable votes and one abstention ("no opinion") from the fifteen members of the Security Council. The one abstention came from the Japanese delegation, who [[Japan–Korea disputes|vehemently opposed]] the idea of a Korean taking the role of secretary-general. Due to the overwhelming support of Ban by the rest of the Security Council, Japan later voted in favor of Ban to avoid controversy. More importantly, Ban was the only one to escape a veto; each of the other candidates received at least one "no" vote from among the five permanent members. After the vote, Shashi Tharoor, who finished second, withdrew his candidacy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/shashi-tharoor-pulls-out-of-un-race/7904|title=Shashi Tharoor pulls out of UN race|work=NDTV.com|date=3 October 2006|access-date=2 October 2006|archive-date=27 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127005101/http://www.ndtv.com/video/player/news/shashi-tharoor-pulls-out-of-un-race/7904|url-status=live}}</ref> and China's [[Permanent Representative]] to the UN told reporters that "it is quite clear from today's straw poll that Minister Ban Ki-moon is the candidate that the Security Council will recommend to the General Assembly".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/sc/so061002pm3.rm |title=United Nations Webcast of announcement |publisher=United Nations |access-date=2 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070807235855/http://webcast.un.org/ramgen/sc/so061002pm3.rm |archive-date= 7 August 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On 9 October, the Security Council formally chose Ban as its nominee. In the public vote, he was supported by all 15 members of the council.<ref name="NYT10-10">{{Cite news|title = Security Council Approves South Korean as U.N. Chief|author = Warren Hoge and Choe Sang-Hun|work = The New York Times|date = 10 October 2006}}</ref> On 13 October, the 192-member [[United Nations General Assembly|General Assembly]] [[acclamation|acclaimed]] Ban as secretary-general.<ref name="Times10-14"/>

====First term as secretary-general====
[[File:Vladimir Putin 9 April 2008-1.jpg|thumb|Ban Ki-moon with the [[President of Russia]] [[Vladimir Putin]] in [[Moscow]] in April 2008]] [[File:Ban Ki-moon - World Economic Forum Annual Meeting Davos 2008 numb2.jpg|thumb|Ban Ki-moon at Davos, Switzerland in the World Economic Forum.|223x223px]]
When Ban became secretary-general, ''[[The Economist]]'' listed the major challenges facing him in 2007: "rising nuclear demons in [[Iran]] and North Korea, a haemorrhaging wound in [[Darfur]], unending violence in the Middle East, looming environmental disaster, escalating international terrorism, the proliferation of [[weapons of mass destruction]], the spread of [[HIV/AIDS]]. And then the more parochial concerns, such as the largely unfinished business of the most sweeping attempt at reform in the UN's history".<ref name="Econ01-06"/> Before starting, Kofi Annan shared the story that when the first Secretary-General [[Trygve Lie]] left office, he told his successor, [[Dag Hammarskjöld]], "You are about to take over the most impossible job on earth".<ref name="Times10-14"/>

On 23 January 2007, Ban took office as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. Ban's term as Secretary-General opened with a flap. At his first encounter with the press as Secretary-General on 2 January 2007, he refused to condemn the [[death penalty]] imposed on [[Saddam Hussein]] by the Iraqi High Tribunal, remarking, "The issue of capital punishment is for each and every member State to decide".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=964 |publisher=[[United Nations]] |title=Secretary-General's encounter with the UN press corps (transcript) |date=2 January 2007 |url-status=dead |access-date=29 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929072706/http://www.un.org/apps/sg/offthecuff.asp?nid=964 |archive-date=29 September 2011}}</ref> Ban's statements contradicted long-standing United Nations opposition to the death penalty as a human-rights concern.<ref name="NYT01-03">{{Cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/03/world/middleeast/03nations.html|title = New U.N. Chief Invites Controversy by Declining to Oppose Hussein Execution|date = 3 January 2007|author = Julia Preston|work = The New York Times|access-date = 21 February 2017|archive-date = 24 June 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170624164851/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/03/world/middleeast/03nations.html|url-status = live}}</ref> He quickly clarified his stance in the case of [[Barzan al-Tikriti]] and [[Awad al-Bandar]], two top officials who were convicted of the deaths of 148 [[Shia Islam|Shia Muslims]] in the Iraqi village of [[Dujail]] in the 1980s. In a statement through his spokesperson on 6 January, he "strongly urged the Government of Iraq to grant a stay of execution to those whose death sentences may be carried out in the near future".<ref name="FT02-01"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2395 |title=Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on the death sentences in Iraq |publisher=United Nations |date=6 January 2007 |access-date=2 August 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613201152/http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2395 |archive-date=13 June 2007}}</ref> On the broader issue, he told a Washington, D.C. audience on 16 January 2007 that he recognized and encouraged the "growing trend in international society, international law and domestic policies and practices to phase out eventually the death penalty".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2410 |title=Address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and Q&A (transcript) |publisher=United Nations |date=16 January 2007 |access-date=2 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711105522/http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2410 |archive-date=11 July 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

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On the tenth anniversary of [[Khmer Rouge]] leader [[Pol Pot]]'s death, 15 April 2008, Ban Ki-moon appealed for the senior leaders of the regime to be brought to justice. The [[Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia]]-tribunal, which was established by both the United Nations and [[Cambodia]] and which became operational in 2006{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}, is responsible for prosecuting the aforementioned senior leaders.<ref>{{cite news|url = http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/15/un.pol.pot/index.html|title = U.N. chief calls for justice in Cambodia|publisher = [[CNN]]|date = 15 April 2008|access-date =15 April 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080420092415/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/15/un.pol.pot/index.html| archive-date= 20 April 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Ban has received strong criticism from the [[United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services|UN Office of Internal Oversight Services]] (OIOS), which stated that the secretariat under Ban's leadership was "drifting into irrelevance".<ref name=OIOS>{{Cite news|url = https://foreignpolicy.com/files/fp_uploaded_documents/100719_0_ahleniussummary.pdf|title = Arrhenius End of Assignment Report|date = 14 June 2010|access-date = 16 January 2012|work = [[Foreign Policy]]|archive-date = 1 December 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111201052628/http://www.foreignpolicy.com/files/fp_uploaded_documents/100719_0_ahleniussummary.pdf|url-status = live}}</ref>

=====Cabinet=====
In early January, Ban appointed the key members of his cabinet. As his [[United Nations Deputy Secretary-General|Deputy Secretary-General]], he selected [[Tanzania]]n foreign minister and professor [[Asha-Rose Migiro]], a move that pleased African diplomats who had concerns about losing power without Annan in office.<ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/06/world/06nations.html|title = Tanzanian Woman Is Chosen for U.N.'s 2nd Highest Post|work = [[The New York Times]]|date = 6 January 2007|author = Julia Preston|access-date = 21 February 2017|archive-date = 24 June 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170624154049/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/06/world/06nations.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

The top position devoted exclusively to management, Under-Secretary-General for Management, was filled by [[Alicia Bárcena Ibarra]] of Mexico. Bárcena was considered a UN insider, having previously served as Annan's chief of staff. Her appointment was seen by critics as an indication that Ban would not make dramatic changes to UN bureaucracy.<ref name="NYT01-04">{{Cite news|title = Mexican U.N. Insider Gets Manager's Post|date = 4 January 2007|author = Julia Preston}}</ref> Ban appointed [[John Holmes (British diplomat)|Sir John Holmes]], the British Ambassador to France, as [[Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator|Under-Secretary-General for humanitarian affairs and coordinator of emergency relief]].<ref name="NYT01-04"/>

Ban initially said that he would delay making other appointments until his first round of reforms were approved, yet later abandoned this idea after receiving criticism.<ref name="FT02-01"/><ref name="NYT02-06"/> In February he continued with appointments, selecting [[B. Lynn Pascoe]], the U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, to become Under-Secretary-General for political affairs. [[Jean-Marie Guéhenno]], a French diplomat, who had served as Under-Secretary-General for peacekeeping operations under Annan, remained in office. Ban selected [[Vijay K. Nambiar]] as his chief of staff.<ref name="NYT02-10">{{Cite news|title = U.N. Chief Gives Key Post to American|author = [[Warren Hoge]]|date = 10 February 2007|work = The New York Times}}</ref> Nambiar later stepped down in 2012<ref>{{Cite news |date=26 January 2012 |title=Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar quitting as Ban's Chief of Staff to become special adviser |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indian-diplomat-vijay-nambiar-quitting-as-bans-chief-of-staff-to-become-special-adviser/articleshow/11640793.cms?from=mdr |access-date=21 February 2023 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221200402/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/indian-diplomat-vijay-nambiar-quitting-as-bans-chief-of-staff-to-become-special-adviser/articleshow/11640793.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> and was replaced by Susana Malcorra of Argentina who served as chief of staff from April 2012 to November 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sengupta |first=Somini |date=20 May 2016 |title=Susana Malcorra of Argentina Becomes Candidate for U.N. Secretary General |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/21/world/americas/susana-malcorra-secretary-general.html |access-date=21 February 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=15 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615182413/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/21/world/americas/susana-malcorra-secretary-general.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Susana Malcorra {{!}} UNSSC {{!}} United Nations System Staff College |url=https://www.unssc.org/about-unssc/speakers-and-collaborators/susana-malcorra |access-date=21 February 2023 |website=www.unssc.org |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221200406/https://www.unssc.org/about-unssc/speakers-and-collaborators/susana-malcorra |url-status=live }}</ref>

The appointment of many women to top jobs was seen as fulfilling a campaign promise Ban had made to increase the role of women in the United Nations. During Ban's first year as secretary-general, more top jobs were being handled by women than ever before. Though not appointed by Ban, the president of the General Assembly, [[Haya Rashed Al-Khalifa]], is only the third woman to hold this position in United Nations history.<ref name="CT04-11">{{Cite news|title = Leaders making world of difference\ Higher profile at UN brings new emphasis on issues affecting women|author = Stevenson Swanson|work = [[Chicago Tribune]]|date = 11 April 2007}}</ref>

=====Reform agenda=====
During his first month in office, Ban proposed two major reforms: to split the UN peacekeeping operation into two departments and to combine the political affairs and disarmament department. His proposals were met with stiff resistance from members of the UN General Assembly who bristled at Ban's request for rapid approval. The proposed merger of the disarmament and political affairs offices was criticized by many in the developing world, partially because of rumours that Ban hoped to place American B. Lynn Pascoe in charge of the new office. [[Alejandro D. Wolff]], then acting American ambassador, said the United States backed his proposals.<ref name="FT02-01">{{Cite news|title = Ban's month of muddle: how the new UN chief is struggling to win over the doubters|author = Mark Turner|date = 1 February 2007|work = [[Financial Times]]}}</ref><ref name="NYT02-06">{{Cite news|title = U.N. Chief Returns to Headquarters, Where Battles Await Him|date = 6 February 2007|work = [[The New York Times]]|author = [[Warren Hoge]]}}</ref>

[[File:Ban Ki-moon and Bill Gates World Economic Forum 2013.jpg|thumb|Ban Ki-moon with [[Bill Gates]], World Economic Forum, 24 January 2013]]
After the early bout of reproach, Ban began extensive consultation with UN ambassadors, agreeing to have his peacekeeping proposal extensively vetted. After the consultations, Ban dropped his proposal to combine political affairs and disarmament.<ref name="NYT02-19">{{Cite news|title = U.N. Chief Is Assuaging Doubts About Leadership|author = Warren Hoge|date = 19 February 2007|work = The New York Times}}</ref> Ban nevertheless pressed ahead with reforms on job requirements at the UN requiring that all positions be considered five-year appointments, all receive strict annual performance reviews, and all financial disclosures be made public. Though unpopular in the New York office, the move was popular in other UN offices around the world and lauded by UN observers.<ref name="NYT02-28">{{Cite news|title = New United Nations Chief Tackles the Agency's Tradition of Patronage Jobs|work = The New York Times|date = 28 February 2007|author = Warren Hoge}}</ref> Ban's proposal to split the peacekeeping operation into one group handling operations and another handling arms was finally adopted in mid-March 2007.<ref name=IrishTimes>{{Cite news|title = Ban Ki-moon learns the hard way|newspaper = [[The Irish Times]]|author = Maggie Farley|date = 11 April 2007}}</ref>

=====Key issues=====
The Secretary-General of the United Nations has the ability to influence debate on nearly any global issue. Although unsuccessful in some areas, Ban's predecessor Annan had been successful in increasing the UN peacekeeping presence and in popularizing the [[Millennium Development Goals]]. UN observers were eager to see on which issues Ban intended to focus, in addition to his declared interest in reforming the United Nations bureaucracy.<ref name="Econ01-06"/>

On several prominent issues, such as proliferation in Iran and North Korea, Ban has deferred to the Security Council.<ref name=IrishTimes/> In 2007, the [[Republic of Nauru]] raised the issue of allowing the Republic of China (Taiwan) to sign the [[Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women]]. Ban referenced the [[United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758]], and refused the motion. On 19 July 2007, Taiwanese President [[Chen Shui-bian]] wrote to request admission into the UN by the name Taiwan. Ban rejected the request, stating that Resolution 2758 defined Taiwan as part of China.<ref name=Taipei>{{Cite news|url = http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/07/30/2003371907|title = MOFA spokesman slams Ban Ki-moon for rejecting UN bid|date = 30 July 2007|access-date = 30 August 2007|work = [[Taipei Times]]|archive-date = 7 August 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070807213355/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2007/07/30/2003371907|url-status = live}}</ref>

======Global warming======
[[File:Ban Ki-moon Bush.jpg|thumb|U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] talks with [[United Nations Secretary-General]] Ban Ki-moon of South Korea in October 2006. In their early meetings, Ban stressed the importance of confronting global warming.]]
Ban early on identified [[global warming]] as one of the key issues of his administration. In a [[White House]] meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush in January, Ban urged Bush to take steps to curb [[greenhouse gas emissions]]. On 1 March 2007 in a speech before the UN General Assembly, Ban emphasized his concerns about global warming. Ban stated, "For my generation, coming of age at the height of the Cold War, fear of [[nuclear winter]] seemed the leading [[existential threat]] on the horizon. But the danger posed by war to all humanity—and to our planet—is at least matched by [[climate change]]"<ref name="Wash03-02">{{Cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/01/AR2007030101484.html|title = U.N. Secretary General Calls Global Warming a Priority|author = Colum Lynch|date = 2 March 2007|newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]|access-date = 24 August 2017|archive-date = 14 October 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171014071942/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/01/AR2007030101484.html|url-status = live}}</ref> (referring to [[Global warming|Global Warming]], see [[P:GW]] portal). On 3 September 2009 he further emphasized his concerns at the World Climate Conference in Geneva, when he stated, "Our foot is stuck on the accelerator and we are heading towards an abyss".<ref>[https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31926&Cr=climate+change&Cr1= Ban urges rapid progress in negotiations on new climate change pact] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629164711/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31926&Cr=climate+change&Cr1= |date=29 June 2017 }}. UN News Centre, 3 September 2009.</ref> In September 2014, Ban joined demonstrators in the [[People's Climate March (2014)|People's Climate March]] in New York City,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Foderaro|first1=Lisa|title=Taking a Call for Climate Change to the Streets|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/22/nyregion/new-york-city-climate-change-march.html|work=The New York Times|date=21 September 2014|access-date=15 June 2015|archive-date=21 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921174331/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/22/nyregion/new-york-city-climate-change-march.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and also called together world leaders for the UN Climate Summit,<ref>{{cite web|title=UN Climate Summit|url=https://www.un.org/climatechange/summit/ |publisher=The United Nations|access-date=15 June 2015|archive-date=24 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624200106/http://www.un.org/climatechange/summit/|url-status=live}}</ref> in preparation for the [[United Nations Climate Change Conference]] to be held in Paris in late 2015.

======Middle East======
On Thursday, 22 March 2007, while Ban was taking part in the first stop of a tour of the Middle East, a mortar attack hit just {{convert|80|m|sp=us}} from where the Secretary-General was standing, interrupting a press conference in [[Baghdad]]'s [[Green Zone]], and visibly shaking Ban and others. No one was hurt in the incident.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090110141608/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-03/23/content_5884102.htm Rocket blast shakes UN chief in Baghdad]. Xinhua, 23 March 2007.</ref> The United Nations had already limited its role in Iraq after its Baghdad headquarters was bombed in August 2003, killing 22 people. Ban said, however, that he still hoped to find a way for the United Nations to "do more for Iraqi social and political development".<ref name="NYT03-24">{{Cite news|title = U.N. Chief Isn't Discouraged by His Close Call in Iraq |first=Warren |last=Hoge |author-link=Warren Hoge|date = 24 March 2007|work = [[The New York Times]]}}</ref>

On his trip, Ban visited [[Egypt]], [[Israel]], the [[West Bank]], [[Jordan]], [[Lebanon]] and [[Saudi Arabia]], where Ban attended a conference with leaders of the [[Arab League]] and met for several hours with [[Omar Hassan al-Bashir]], the Sudanese president who had resisted UN peacekeepers in Darfur.<ref name=IrishTimes/> While Ban met with [[Mahmoud Abbas]], the Palestinian president, he declined to meet with [[Ismail Haniyeh]] of [[Hamas]].<ref name="NYT04-03">{{Cite news|title = On Mideast Trip, U.N. Chief Sought to Expand New Role|date = 3 April 2007 |first=Warren |last=Hoge |author-link=Warren Hoge |work = The New York Times}}</ref>

[[File:Dmitry Medvedev at the 34th G8 Summit 7-9 July 2008-49.jpg|thumb|Ban with German Chancellor [[Angela Merkel]] and Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] at the [[34th G8 Summit]], July 2008]]
Ban Ki-moon criticized Israel on 10 March 2008 for planning to build housing units in a [[West Bank settlement]], saying the decision conflicts with "Israel's obligation under the road map" for Middle East peace.<ref>{{Cite news|title =U.N. blasts Israel for West Bank housing expansion plan| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/10/israel.palestinian.settlement/index.html|publisher=CNN|date=10 March 2008|access-date=10 March 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080314233551/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/03/10/israel.palestinian.settlement/index.html| archive-date= 14 March 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>
[[File:UN Secretary-General Ban ki-Moon visits Gaza in 2009.jpg|thumb|Ban ki-Moon visiting Gaza in 2009]]
During a meeting of the [[UN Security Council]] on Wednesday, 7 January 2009, Ban called for an immediate end to fighting in the [[Gaza Strip]]. He criticized both sides, Israel for bombarding [[Gaza City|Gaza]] and Hamas for firing rockets into Israel.

Although the [[2009 Iranian presidential election]] was widely disputed, Ban Ki-moon sent a traditional congratulation message<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 August 2009 |title=UN toasts Ahmadinejad win, as 69 said killed in Iran protests |url=http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1106757.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917013916/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1106757.html |archive-date=17 September 2009 |access-date=6 May 2011 |website=Haaretz}}</ref> to the Iranian president upon his inauguration. He kept silent over the request of [[Shirin Ebadi]] to visit<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE57A0HY20090811|title=Nobel laureate calls on U.N. chief to visit Iran|date=11 August 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-date=13 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113170737/https://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE57A0HY20090811|url-status=live}}</ref> Iran after the crackdown on peaceful post-election protests by the Iranian police, which was perceived as a [[crime against humanity]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/08/08/iran.detainee.trials/|publisher=CNN|access-date=7 April 2010|title=British, French embassy workers on trial over Iran protests|date=9 August 2009|archive-date=27 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101027095108/http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/08/08/iran.detainee.trials/|url-status=live}}</ref> More than 4,000 people were arrested and nearly 70 were killed, some while being held in prison.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8195586.stm|work=BBC News|title=Iran admits 4,000 June detentions|date=11 August 2009|access-date=7 April 2010|archive-date=14 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814153034/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8195586.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> In another incident, several prominent intellectuals, including [[Akbar Ganji]], [[Hamid Dabashi]] and [[Noam Chomsky]], went on a three-day [[hunger strike]] in front of the UN. The incident was followed by an official request by more than 200 intellectuals, human rights activists and reformist politicians in Iran for the [[UN]] reaction.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/aug/12/iran-ban-ki-moon-protest|work=The Guardian|location=London|title=Dear Mr Ban, heed the Iranian people|date=12 August 2009|access-date=7 April 2010|first=Akbar|last=Ganji|archive-date=7 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907021325/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2009/aug/12/iran-ban-ki-moon-protest|url-status=live}}</ref> Ban Ki-moon however did not take any action to stop the violence in Iran.

[[File:Secretary Clinton Meets With UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon (5598624395).jpg|thumb|U.S. Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]] with Ban Ki-Moon, 7 April 2011]]
The [[2011 Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]] began in 2011, the last year of Ban's first term, and dominated his attention and public statements that year. Throughout the conflict, he lobbied for peaceful solutions to the crisis. He frequently spoke out against military action in Libya, believing that a diplomatic solution would be possible and preferable. However, he conceded that if then-leader [[Muammar Gaddafi]] refused to abide by a cease fire agreement, the international coalition of military forces would have no choice but to intervene to protect the human rights of Libyans.<ref>{{cite news |work=The Christian Science Monitor |title=Ban Ki-Moon: I am willing to take any measures for human rights |date=23 March 2011}}</ref> The Gaddafi government was eventually overthrown and Gaddafi killed in the conflict.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15390980|title=Muammar Gaddafi: How he died|work=BBC News|date=22 October 2011|access-date=22 October 2011|archive-date=24 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324201718/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15390980|url-status=live}}</ref>

======Darfur======
Ban took the first foreign trip of his term to attend the [[African Union]] summit in [[Addis Ababa]], Ethiopia, in January 2007 as part of an effort to reach out to the [[Group of 77]].<ref name="Econ01-06">{{Cite news|title = Mission impossible?—The United Nations|date = 6 January 2007|newspaper = [[The Economist]]}}</ref> He repeatedly identified Darfur as the top humanitarian priority of his administration.<ref name=IrishTimes/> Ban played a large role, with several face-to-face meetings with [[President of Sudan|Sudanese President]] [[Omar Hassan al-Bashir]], in convincing Sudan to allow UN peacekeepers to enter the Darfur region. On 31 July 2007, the United Nations Security Council approved sending 26,000 UN peacekeepers into the region to join 7,000 troops from the African Union. The resolution was heralded as a major breakthrough in confronting the [[War in Darfur|Darfur conflict]] (although the United States labelled the conflict a "[[genocide]]", the United Nations has declined to do so). The first phase of the peacekeeping mission began in October 2007.<ref name="NPR08-02">{{Cite news|title = United Nations Deploys Peacekeeping Troops to Darfur|author = Cheryl Corley|date = 2 August 2007|work = [[Tell Me More]] on [[National Public Radio|NPR]]}}</ref>

======Myanmar======
Ban Ki-moon flew to Myanmar on 25 May 2008 to guide a conference with international agencies aimed at boosting donations for the nation, which was struck by [[Cyclone Nargis]] on 2 May 2008. The conference was initiated after Ban had met with [[Than Shwe]], the leading figure of Myanmar's government 23 May 2008. Ban toured the devastation—especially in the hard-hit [[Irrawaddy Delta]]—23 May 2008 and 24 May 2008. Myanmar officials agreed to allow the [[Yangon International Airport]] to be used as a logistical hub for aid distribution.<ref name="cnn-05-25-08">{{Cite news|title = Cyclone aid conference opens in Myanmar|publisher = CNN|date = 25 May 2008}}</ref>

====Campaign for second term as secretary-general: 2011====
On 6 June 2011, Ban Ki-moon formally announced his candidacy for a second consecutive term as Secretary-General of the United Nations.<ref name=unAppointSecond>{{cite web | publisher=UN News Service | title=General Assembly appoints Ban Ki-moon to second term as UN Secretary-General | url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38797&Cr=secretary-general&Cr1= | date=21 June 2011 | access-date=21 June 2011 | archive-date=25 June 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625111402/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=38797&Cr=secretary-general&Cr1= | url-status=live }}</ref> He announced his candidacy at a press conference, following a meeting with the Asian group of countries at the United Nations. Ban Ki-moon's first mandate as the Secretary-General was set to end on 31 December 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-06/06/c_13913806.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110616060738/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-06/06/c_13913806.htm |url-status = dead |archive-date = 16 June 2011 | title = Ban Ki-moon launches official re-election campaign|agency = Xinhua News Agency|date = 6 June 2011|access-date =22 June 2011}}</ref> The five permanent Security Council members supported his candidacy. There was no declared rival for the post.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=ban-ki-moon-reelection-campaign-gathers-pace-2011-06-05|title = Ban Ki-moon reelection campaign gathers pace|agency = Agence France-Presse|work = Hürriyet Daily News|date = 5 June 2011|access-date = 22 June 2011|archive-date = 8 June 2011|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110608215007/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=ban-ki-moon-reelection-campaign-gathers-pace-2011-06-05|url-status = live}}</ref>

====Second term as secretary-general====
[[File:Secretary Kerry laughs with U.N. Secretary-General Ban before meeting on the sidelines of Vibrant Gujarat Summit.jpg|thumb|U.S. Secretary of State [[John Kerry]] and Ban Ki-moon, 11 January 2015]]
[[File:Возложение венка к Могиле Неизвестного Солдата - 07.jpg|thumb|Ban with leaders of Russia, China, India, South Africa, Vietnam and Egypt during the [[2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade|Moscow Victory Day Parade]], 9 May 2015]]

[[File:Ban Ki-moon, Xi Jinping and Barack Obama in Hangzhou (2016-09-03).jpg|thumb|Ban Ki-moon, Chinese President [[Xi Jinping]], and U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] in Hangzhou, China, 3 September 2016]]
On 17 June 2011, he received the recommendation of the Security Council by a unanimous vote,<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-election-idUSTRE75G42820110617|title = U.N. council recommends 2nd term for Ban Ki-moon|author = Patrick Worsnip|work = Reuters|date = 17 June 2011|access-date = 22 June 2011|archive-date = 1 August 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200801044557/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-election-idUSTRE75G42820110617|url-status = live}}</ref> and, on 21 June, his nomination was confirmed by a unanimous<ref name=secondAppointUnan>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-election-idUSTRE75K5XZ20110621 | title=U.N. assembly approves second term for U.N. chief Ban | author=Louis Charbonneau | date=21 June 2011 | access-date=22 June 2011 | work=Reuters | archive-date=12 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112075933/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-election-idUSTRE75K5XZ20110621 | url-status=live }}</ref> acclamation vote at the [[United Nations General Assembly]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2011/ga11102.doc.htm |title=General Assembly Appoints Secretary-General Ban Ki–moon to Second Term of Office |work=UN Press Office |date=21 June 2011 |access-date=22 June 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625132621/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2011/ga11102.doc.htm |archive-date=25 June 2011 }}</ref> His new five-year term as Secretary-General commenced on 1 January 2012<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-election-idUSTRE75G42820110617|title = Ban Ki-moon unanimously elected for second term as UN chief|author = PTI|work = The Times of India|date = 22 June 2011|access-date = 22 June 2011|archive-date = 1 August 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200801044557/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-election-idUSTRE75G42820110617|url-status = live}}</ref> and ended on 31 December 2016.<ref name=unAppointSecond />

=====Cabinet=====
Ban appointed Swedish diplomat [[Jan Eliasson]] as his new deputy secretary-general on 2 March 2012. His chief of staff is [[Edmond Mulet]] of Guatemala. The appointments were part of Ban's commitment to replace top positions in his group for his second term.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://passblue.com/2012/03/04/jan-eliasson-named-deputy-secretary-general/ |title=Jan Eliasson Named Deputy Secretary-General |last=Crossette |first=Barbara |work=PassBlue |date=4 March 2012 |access-date=26 November 2013 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224002/http://passblue.com/2012/03/04/jan-eliasson-named-deputy-secretary-general/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=====Key issues=====
After beginning his second term in January 2012, Ban focused his public statements and speeches on peace and equality in the Middle East and on equality issues.

======Middle East======
The aftermath of the Libyan Civil War and other events of the [[Arab Spring]] continued to command Ban's attention with the start of his second term. He focused in 2012 on what he termed "intolerance" in the Arab world. After travelling to [[Vienna]] to participate in the opening of the [[KAICIID Dialogue Centre]] to foster interreligious dialogue, Ban commented, "Many countries in the Arab world including Saudi Arabia are changing. Since the Arab Spring, the leaders have begun to listen to the voice of their people." He was however criticised in the Austrian press for associating himself with a project of Saudi [[Abdullah of Saudi Arabia|King Abdullah]], Saudi Arabia being a location of perceived religious intolerance.<ref name="Die Presse">{{cite news |title=UN chief interviewed on religious tolerance, Gaza, Palestinian status |author=Christian Ultsch |date=27 November 2012 |work=Die Presse}}</ref>

Throughout 2012, Ban expressed his concern about the continuing [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], in particular the condition of the Palestinian [[Palestinian prisoners in Israel|hunger strikers]] in Israeli prisons<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41959&Cr=palestin&Cr1= |title=Concerned at plight of Palestinian hunger strikers, Ban urges solution without delay |publisher=United Nations |date=18 October 2011 |access-date=28 June 2012 |archive-date=22 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120522073110/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=41959&Cr=palestin&Cr1= |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the movement restrictions imposed on Gaza Strip residents.<ref name="Die Presse"/> On 30 August 2012 Ban criticized the Iranian leadership due to their statements regarding Israel's destruction and denying the Holocaust.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/31/world/middleeast/ban-ki-moon-broaches-delicate-topics-with-iranian-officials.html |title=Criticizing Iranian leadership statements regarding Israel and the Holocaust |work=The New York Times |date=30 August 2012 |access-date=30 August 2012 |archive-date=30 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830184902/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/31/world/middleeast/ban-ki-moon-broaches-delicate-topics-with-iranian-officials.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 August 2013, Ban Ki-moon admitted that the UN was biased against Israel, stating in a meeting with Israeli students that there was a biased attitude towards the Israeli people and Israeli government at the UN. He described this as "an unfortunate situation."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4418776,00.html |title=UN chief admits bias against Israel |author=Omri Efraim |date=16 August 2013 |work=Ynet News |access-date=3 July 2014 |archive-date=17 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917042436/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4418776,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A few days later, he backtracked on the utterance.<ref>[http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Israel-disturbed-by-Bans-recanting-comment-on-bias-323732 ''Israel 'disturbed' by Ban's recanting comment on bias''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909193038/http://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Israel-disturbed-by-Bans-recanting-comment-on-bias-323732 |date=9 September 2015 }}. Jerusalem Post, 20 August 2013</ref> During an interview on 16 December 2016, Ban said that the UN has issued a "disproportionate volume of resolutions, reports and conferences criticizing Israel."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Ban-Ki-Moon-says-UN-has-disproportionate-focus-on-Israel-475622|title=Ban Ki-Moon says UN has 'disproportionate' focus on Israel|date=16 December 2016|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217075309/http://www.jpost.com/Breaking-News/Ban-Ki-Moon-says-UN-has-disproportionate-focus-on-Israel-475622|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 26 January 2016, Ban made a statement in relation to the attacks by Palestinians against Israelis. Ban Ki-moon said that "as oppressed peoples have demonstrated throughout the ages, it is human nature to react to occupation, which often serves as a potent incubator of hate and extremism".<ref name="Telegraph">{{Cite web|title = Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Ban Ki-moon of justifying terrorism|url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/12124107/Benjamin-Netanyahu-accuses-Ban-Ki-moon-of-justifying-terrorism.html|website = Telegraph.co.uk| date=27 January 2016 |access-date = 30 January 2016|archive-date = 29 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160129165723/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/12124107/Benjamin-Netanyahu-accuses-Ban-Ki-moon-of-justifying-terrorism.html|url-status = live}}</ref> In rebuking Ban's statement, the Israeli PM [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] stated that "there is no justification for terror".<ref name="Telegraph" />

Ban has criticized [[Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen]],<ref>"[https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/10/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-yemen-children-ban-ki-moon.html United Nations Chief Exposes Limits to His Authority by Citing Saudi Threat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619021608/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/10/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-yemen-children-ban-ki-moon.html |date=19 June 2017 }}". ''[[The New York Times]].'' 9 June 2016.</ref> saying: "Grave violations against children increased dramatically as a result of the escalating conflict".<ref>"[https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/06/un-shameful-pandering-to-saudi-arabia-over-children-killed-in-yemen-conflict/ UN: Shameful pandering to Saudi Arabia over children killed in Yemen conflict] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807040749/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/06/un-shameful-pandering-to-saudi-arabia-over-children-killed-in-yemen-conflict/ |date=7 August 2016 }}". [[Amnesty International]]. 7 June 2016.</ref> In June 2016, Ban Ki-moon removed a Saudi-led coalition from a list of [[children's rights]] violators.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/10/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-yemen-children-ban-ki-moon.html |title=United Nations Chief Exposes Limits to His Authority by Citing Saudi Threat |work=The New York Times |date=8 June 2016 |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-date=19 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619021608/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/10/world/middleeast/saudi-arabia-yemen-children-ban-ki-moon.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He later admitted that [[Saudi Arabia]] threatened to cut Palestinian aid and funds to other UN programs if coalition was not removed from blacklist for killing children in Yemen. According to one source, there was also a threat of "clerics in Riyadh meeting to issue a [[fatwa]] against the UN, declaring it anti-Muslim, which would mean no contacts of [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|OIC]] members, no relations, contributions, support, to any UN projects, programs".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/saudi-arabia-united-nations-blacklist-yemen-ban-ki-moon |title=Saudi Arabian allies pressured UN chief to issue blacklist reversal, sources say |work=The Guardian |date=8 June 2016 |access-date=3 October 2016 |archive-date=10 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710171109/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/08/saudi-arabia-united-nations-blacklist-yemen-ban-ki-moon |url-status=live }}</ref>

====== Ukraine ======
On 26 June 2016, during a speech in [[Saint Petersburg]], Russia, Ban said Russia "has a critical role to play" in addressing global issues "from ending the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria, to safeguarding human rights and controlling the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction". His comments were condemned by [[Ukraine]]'s UN envoy [[Volodymyr Yelchenko]], saying that he does not understand how the UN chief "can say such things which sort of praise the role of Russia in settling the conflict in Ukraine when the Russian Federation is the main player in aggressing Ukraine and in keeping this conflict boiling". He also noted that Russia is being accused of human rights abuses in [[Crimea]] and is "building up the nuclear potential" on the peninsula.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-un--oputrage-ki-moon-comments-russia/27803380.html|title=Ukraine's UN Envoy 'Outraged' By Ban's Comments on Russia|date=16 June 2016|newspaper=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|language=en|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=18 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618131133/http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-un--oputrage-ki-moon-comments-russia/27803380.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

======LGBT rights======
On 7 March 2012, Ban delivered a speech titled "The Time Has Come" to the [[United Nations Human Rights Council]] urging the council to place greater emphasis on combating [[homophobia]] and promoting [[LGBT rights]] around the world.<ref>{{cite web|first1=Ki-moon|last1=Ban|title=Message to Human Rights Council meeting on Violence and Discrimination based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/sgspeeches/statments_full.asp?statID=1475|website=United Nations|access-date=28 June 2017|archive-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321010348/http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocus/sgspeeches/statments_full.asp?statID=1475|url-status=live}}</ref> The speech was met by a protest by a group of delegates, who organized a walk-out protest during the speech.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glbtq.com/blogs/alloutorg_video_ban_ki_moon_the_time_has_come.html |title=AllOut.org Video: Ban Ki-moon: "The Time Has Come" |publisher=glbtq |date=3 March 2012 |access-date=25 May 2015 |author=Summers, Claude J. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525154749/http://www.glbtq.com/blogs/alloutorg_video_ban_ki_moon_the_time_has_come.html |archive-date=25 May 2015}}</ref>

During a speech at the UN headquarters commemorating Human Rights Day, Ban condemned countries with anti-gay laws, mentioning 76 countries that criminalize homosexuality. He said:
:"It is an outrage that in our modern world, so many countries continue to criminalize people simply for loving another human being of the same sex."

Ban has told senior managers that homophobia will not be tolerated. He pointed to countries such as Ukraine which has proposed criminalizing public discussion about homosexuality as threatening basic human rights. He further stated that governments have a duty to defend vulnerable minorities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6504 |title=Secretary-General's remarks to special event on "Leadership in the Fight against Homophobia" |publisher=United Nations |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=25 May 2015 |author=Ban Ki-moon |archive-date=21 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141121070703/http://www.un.org/sg/statements/index.asp?nid=6504 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2013, he described LGBT rights as one of the great neglected human rights of our time. He also said that religion, culture or tradition can never justify denial of basic rights.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/sg/STATEMENTS/index.asp?nid=6736 |title=Secretary-General's video message to the Oslo Conference on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity |publisher=United Nations |date=15 April 2013 |access-date=25 May 2015 |author=Ban Ki-moon |archive-date=12 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112075932/http://www.un.org/sg/STATEMENTS/index.asp?nid=6736 |url-status=live }}</ref>

======Syrian conflict======
{{Main|Syrian civil war}}
{{See also|Geneva II Conference on Syria}}

Ban has been organizing and moderating the [[Geneva II Conference on Syria]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25836827 | title=Syria Geneva II peace talks witness bitter exchanges | work=BBC News | date=22 January 2014 | access-date=22 January 2014 | archive-date=22 January 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140122125221/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-25836827 | url-status=live }}</ref>

======Humanitarian action======
{{See also|World Humanitarian Summit}}
On 25 January 2012, Ban announced that he would convene the world's first summit on [[humanitarian aid]] in order to "share knowledge and establish common best practices."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.un.org/sg/STATEMENTS/index.asp?nid=5825 | title=Secretary-General's remarks to the General Assembly on his Five-Year Action Agenda: "The Future We Want" | date=25 January 2012 | access-date=15 April 2016 | archive-date=30 June 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630183202/http://www.un.org/sg/STATEMENTS/index.asp?nid=5825 | url-status=live }}</ref> Known as the [[World Humanitarian Summit]], the event took place in the 23–24 May 2016 in [[Istanbul]], Turkey. In preparation for the summit, Ban released a report on 9 February 2016 titled 'One Humanity, Shared Responsibility' in which he laid out an "Agenda for Humanity" based on consultations with more than 23,000 people in 153 countries.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/feb/09/ban-ki-moon-world-un-humanitarian-summit-conflict-leadership | title=Ban Ki-moon: 'Close the gap between the world that is and the world that should be' | website=[[TheGuardian.com]] | date=9 February 2016 | access-date=15 April 2016 | archive-date=2 May 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502155024/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/feb/09/ban-ki-moon-world-un-humanitarian-summit-conflict-leadership | url-status=live }}</ref> The Agenda for Humanity outlines what is needed to reform humanitarian action, including political leadership to prevent and end conflict, new forms of financing, and a shift from providing aid to ending need. The summit is scheduled to include 5,000 participants, including representatives from governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and the private sector, as well as individuals affected by humanitarian crises.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.trust.org//item/20160111070315-hkcum | title=INTERVIEW-Refugees, warmongers and bloodshed targeted in first global aid summit | date=11 January 2016 | access-date=15 April 2016 | archive-date=26 January 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126025000/http://news.trust.org//item/20160111070315-hkcum/ | url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Criticism as UN secretary-general====
According to ''[[The Washington Post]]'', "some UN employees and delegates" expressed resentment at Ban's perceived [[Cronyism|favouritism]] in the appointment of South Korean nationals in key posts. Previous UN chiefs such as [[Kurt Waldheim]] (Austria), [[Javier Pérez de Cuéllar]] (Peru), and [[Boutros Boutros-Ghali]] (Egypt) brought small teams of trusted aides or clerical workers from their country's Foreign Ministry, and South Korean nationals have been historically underrepresented at the United Nations.<ref name=fav/> Nonetheless, according to "some officials" in the ''Post'' story, Ban had allegedly gone further, boosting South Korea's presence in UN ranks by more than 20 percent during his first year in office. In response, Ban and his aides stated that the allegations of favouritism are wrong and that some of the harshest criticisms against him have undercurrents of [[racism]].<ref name=fav/> He said that the South Korean nationals he had appointed—including [[Choi Young-jin]], who had already served as a high-ranking official in the United Nations' peacekeeping department—are highly qualified for their positions. Others such as [[Donald P. Gregg]], a former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, said that the complaints were driven by [[envy]]: "I think being from South Korea, and people have growing respect for South Korea, that's a great enhancement for the secretary general. If he brings along talented people who he knows very well, I think that's also a plus." UN records show that South Korea, the organization's eleventh-largest financial contributor, had only 54 South Korean nationals assigned to its mission six months before Ban took over the top UN post. By contrast, the [[Philippines]], a significantly poorer country, had 759 nationals in its mission.<ref name=fav>{{Cite news|title = Under U.N. Chief, Koreans in Key Posts: Ban Ki-moon Denies Playing Favorites|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/20/AR2007102001008.html|author = Colum Lynch|newspaper = [[The Washington Post]]|date = 21 October 2007|access-date = 23 October 2007|archive-date = 4 November 2012|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121104004106/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/20/AR2007102001008.html|url-status = live}}</ref>

Former UN Under Secretary General for Oversight Services [[Inga-Britt Ahlenius]] denounced Ban Ki-moon after resigning her post in 2010, calling him "reprehensible".<ref name=fav/> Ahlenius claimed that the Secretary-General made efforts to undermine the [[Office of Internal Oversight Services]] (OIOS) mandate and challenge its operational independence.<ref>[[Inga-Britt Ahlenius]], {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100821155047/http://ipsterraviva.net/uploads/UN/UN/report.Pdf End of Assignment Report]}}, 14 July 2010, p. 22. Retrieved 30 July 2012.</ref> In particular, the two disputed Ahlenius's plans to hire a former prosecutor, Robert Appleton, who had carried out investigations into corruption in UN peacekeeping missions from 2006 to 2009.<ref name="washingtonpost.com">[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/19/AR2010071904734.html "Departing U.N. official calls Ban's leadership 'deplorable' in 50-page memo"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014072001/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/19/AR2010071904734.html |date=14 October 2017 }}. ''[[The Washington Post]]'', 20 July 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2012.</ref> Ban's staff explained that Appleton's appointment was rejected because Ahlenius had not properly considered female candidates for the appointment, and said that the final selection should have been made by Ban, not Ahlenius.<ref name="washingtonpost.com"/> Ahlenius claimed in her End of Assignment memo that "for the Secretary-General to control appointments in OIOS is an infringement of the operational independence of OIOS".<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100821155047/http://ipsterraviva.net/uploads/UN/UN/report.Pdf End of Assignment Report]}}, pp. 32, 48 [[Inga-Britt Ahlenius]], 14 July 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2012.</ref> Ban's chief of staff Vijay Nambiar described Ahlenius's complaints as "a deeply unbalanced account", and also stated that "many pertinent facts were overlooked or misrepresented" in Ahlenius's memo. Nambiar further noted that Ban "fully recognizes the operational independence of OIOS, [but that] does not excuse [Ahlenius] from applying the standard rules of recruitment".<ref name=fav/>

American diplomat [[James Wasserstrom]] claimed that Ban attempted to limit the jurisdiction of the [[United Nations Dispute Tribunal|UN dispute tribunal]] following Wasserstrom's dismissal from his Kosovo post and lengthy appeals process.<ref>Borger, Julian (2012) [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jun/27/un-tribunal-whistleblower-james-wasserstrom "UN tribunal finds ethics office failed to protect whistleblower"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221142856/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/jun/27/un-tribunal-whistleblower-james-wasserstrom |date=21 December 2016 }}. ''The Guardian''</ref> Ban had refused to hand over confidential documents relating to the case to the UN personnel tribunal, despite repeated orders by the court to do so. In relation to another case, Ban was admonished by Judge Michael Adams for "willful disobedience" for again refusing to hand over key documents in an internal promotions dispute.<ref>Lynch, Colum (13 May 2010), [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/12/AR2010051204868.html "U.N. Head Ban Ki-Moon Refusing Orders from Internal Personnel Court"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014072003/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/12/AR2010051204868.html |date=14 October 2017 }}, ''The Washington Post''. Retrieved 20 September 2012.</ref>

In 2013, Ban was accused of undermining the collective bargaining rights of The Staff Coordinating Council, the union representing United Nations staff. Ban unilaterally eliminated the role of the union to negotiate on behalf of the employees and terminated talks when the union protested.<ref>Chen, M. (17 September 2013), "Ban Ki Moon Accused of Union Busting at UN", ''Huffington Post''.</ref>

Ban was named in a lawsuit challenging UN legal immunity on behalf of Haitians with cholera in the U.S. District Court of Manhattan. UN peacekeepers from Nepal are said to be the source of the [[2010–13 Haiti cholera outbreak]]. Ban declared that the legal immunity of the United Nations before national courts should be upheld, but that this does not reduce the UN's moral responsibility to overcome Haiti's cholera epidemic.<ref>Rosen, Armin (9 April 2015), [http://www.businessinsider.com/cholera-outbreak-in-haiti-and-the-un-2015-4 "How the UN caused a massive cholera outbreak in Haiti"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412010430/http://www.businessinsider.com/cholera-outbreak-in-haiti-and-the-un-2015-4 |date=12 April 2015 }}, ''Business Insider''. Retrieved 14 April 2015.</ref> In January 2015, Judge [[J. Paul Oetken]] dismissed the lawsuit, affirming UN immunity.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Ingram|first1=David|title=U.S. judge rules Haitians cannot sue U.N. for cholera epidemic|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-haiti-lawsuit-idUSKBN0KJ0PX20150110|website=reuters.com|date=10 January 2015|agency=Reuters news service|access-date=15 June 2015|archive-date=14 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214195128/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-haiti-lawsuit-idUSKBN0KJ0PX20150110|url-status=live}}</ref> An appeal to Oetken's decision was submitted to the Court in May 2015.<ref>{{cite web|title=15-455-cv United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit|url=http://www.ijdh.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Georges-v-UN-Principal-Appellate-Brief-5.28-Final.pdf|website=ijdh.org|publisher=Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti|access-date=15 June 2015|archive-date=21 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621171800/http://www.ijdh.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Georges-v-UN-Principal-Appellate-Brief-5.28-Final.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Lawyers file appeal against US judge ruling on cholera cases|url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Lawyers-file-appeal-against-US-judge-ruling-on-cholera-cases|website=jamaicaobserver.com|publisher=The Jamaica Observer|access-date=15 June 2015|archive-date=21 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621170320/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Lawyers-file-appeal-against-US-judge-ruling-on-cholera-cases|url-status=live}}</ref>

British magazine ''[[The Economist]]'', in May 2016, called Ban "plodding, protocol-conscious and loth to stand up to the big powers" and "the dullest—and among the worst" secretaries-general.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21699127-soggy-consensus-holds-next-un-boss-should-be-eastern-european-woman-nonsense-get|title=Get the best|date=21 May 2016|newspaper=The Economist|access-date=24 August 2017|archive-date=23 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923021807/https://www.economist.com/news/leaders/21699127-soggy-consensus-holds-next-un-boss-should-be-eastern-european-woman-nonsense-get|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Master, mistress or mouse?|url=https://www.economist.com/news/international/21699134-despite-unprecedented-push-pick-uns-next-boss-open-contest-choice-will|access-date=21 May 2016|newspaper=[[The Economist]]|date=21 May 2016|quote=South Korea's Ban Ki-moon, his outgoing successor (pictured above at the UN's headquarters in New York), is viewed as the dullest—and among the worst.|archive-date=20 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160520153020/http://www.economist.com/news/international/21699134-despite-unprecedented-push-pick-uns-next-boss-open-contest-choice-will|url-status=live}}</ref> Japanese diplomat [[Kiyotaka Akasaka]] defended Ban's understated presence as more quietly [[Confucian]], stating that "[Ban's] behaviour has been like that of the wise man, the sage in Oriental philosophy".<ref name=MacAskill>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/22/ban-ki-moon-secretary-general-un|title=Disquiet grows over performance of Ban Ki-moon, UN's 'invisible man'|first=Ewen|last=MacAskill|date=22 July 2010|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=28 September 2016|archive-date=5 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005214903/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/22/ban-ki-moon-secretary-general-un|url-status=live}}</ref> One UN official claimed that while Ban would greet world leaders in their native language, he would then read directly from his talking points without small talk. The UN official opined, "Quiet diplomacy? He [Ban] displayed no skills for that."<ref name="Foreign Policy 2016"/> South African lawyer [[Nicholas Haysom]] also defended Ban, saying that the news media "caricatured [Ban] as invisible when he made outspoken comments that the media then failed to report".<ref name=MacAskill/>

===2017 presidential candidacy speculation===
{{Main|2017 South Korean presidential election}}
Until the outbreak of the [[2016 South Korean political scandal]], Ban was the leading potential candidate for [[President of South Korea]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|work=FocusNews|title=Ban Ki-moon|url=http://www.focus.kr/view.php?key=2016090200202827112|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927082554/http://www.focus.kr/view.php?key=2016090200202827112|archive-date=27 September 2016}}</ref> However, recent polls showed [[Moon Jae-in]] of the main opposition [[Minjoo Party of Korea]] in the lead with a support rating of 32.8 percent, while Ban trailed in distant second with 15.4 percent. Moon was eventually elected president on 10 May.<ref>{{cite web|work=[[The Korea Herald]]|title=Acting president viewed as potential conservative presidential candidate|date=30 January 2017|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170130000220|access-date=30 January 2017|archive-date=30 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170130094702/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170130000220|url-status=live}}</ref>
Although Ban repeatedly expressed his desires for running, a UN resolution in 1946 says "a Secretary-General should refrain from accepting" any Governmental position "at any rate immediately on retirement."<ref>{{cite news |title=UN spokesperson says Ban Ki-moon is "aware" of resolution |date=2 June 2016 |newspaper=[[The Hankyoreh]] |url=http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/746528.html |access-date=5 October 2016 |archive-date=9 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009102017/http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/746528.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GA Resolution 11/1-Terms of appointment of the Secretary-General-1946 |year=1946 |url=http://www.unelections.org/?q=node/157 |quote=XII. Resolutions adopted on the reports of the fifth committee<br />11(I). Terms of Appointment of the Secretary-General<br />4. (b) Because a Secretary-General is a confidant of many governments, it is desirable that no Member should offer him, at any rate immediately on retirement, any governmental position in which his confidential information might be a source of embarrassment to other Members, and on his part a Secretary-General should refrain from accepting any such position. |access-date=1 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006162848/http://www.unelections.org/?q=node%2F157 |archive-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Exceptions to the rule have been made in history with the 1986 election of [[Kurt Waldheim]] to the post of [[President of Austria]], although the position is ceremonial in nature.

Contrary to Ban's public comments hinting at any likely run, private reports indicated otherwise. [[Kim Jong-pil]], former [[Prime Minister of South Korea]], was reported to say that Ban Ki-moon would announce his candidacy for the presidency shortly after his term as Secretary-General ended.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/10/116_215396.html|title=UN chief Ban Ki-moon has 'made up his mind' to run for Korea's presidency|date=5 October 2016|work=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=6 October 2016|archive-date=6 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006020538/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/10/116_215396.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Ban was originally predicted to run under the conservative [[Liberty Korea Party|Saenuri Party]], but President [[2016 South Korean political scandal|Park Geun-hye's scandal]] cast doubts as to which party Ban would run under.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/12/28/ban-ki-moon-going-be-next-south-korean-president|title=Is Ban Ki-moon going to be the next South Korean president?|work=sbs.com.au|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103004125/http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2016/12/28/ban-ki-moon-going-be-next-south-korean-president|url-status=live}}</ref>

Ban returned to South Korea on 13 January 2017.<ref>[http://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170112000965&ntn=0 Ban Ki-moon returns, poised for presidential bid] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118084312/http://m.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170112000965&ntn=0 |date=18 January 2017 }} - Korea Herald(01/12/2017)</ref> On 1 February 2017 he announced he would not be a candidate for president.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/former-un-chief-ban-ki-moon-will-not-run-for-president-of-south-korea/2017/02/01/b05c816d-9ce5-4c3a-84be-0e5b78890a17_story.html|title=Blaming 'fake news,' Ban Ki-moon drops presidential bid in South Korea|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=1 February 2017|archive-date=1 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201085647/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/former-un-chief-ban-ki-moon-will-not-run-for-president-of-south-korea/2017/02/01/b05c816d-9ce5-4c3a-84be-0e5b78890a17_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Post-U.N. work ===
[[File:GGGI P&C Book Launch Event 2021.jpg|thumb]]

In 2017, Ban and [[Heinz Fischer]], former president of Austria, founded, and are co-chairs of, the [[Ban Ki-Moon Centre for Global Citizens|Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens]] in Vienna, Austria.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://bankimooncentre.org/founders|title=Founders - Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens|work=Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens|access-date=19 November 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=21 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621093439/https://bankimooncentre.org/founders|url-status=live}}</ref> The nonprofit group's mission is to support youth and women, working within the UN's [[Sustainable Development Goals|Sustainable Development Goal]] frameworks.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/01/03/Ban-Ki-moon-Austrian-officials-launch-center-for-global-citizens/2721515004726/|title=Ban Ki-moon, Austrian officials, launch center for global citizens|last=Shim|first=Elizabeth|date=3 January 2018|work=UPI|access-date=19 November 2018|language=en|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119132609/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2018/01/03/Ban-Ki-moon-Austrian-officials-launch-center-for-global-citizens/2721515004726/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 2017, Ban joined [[The Elders (organization)|The Elders]], a human rights group composed of international statesmen that was founded by [[Nelson Mandela]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=27 June 2017|title=Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon joins The Elders|url=https://www.theelders.org/news/former-un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-joins-elders|access-date=8 August 2020|website=The Elders|language=en|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813083145/https://www.theelders.org/news/former-un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-joins-elders|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=1 July 2017|title=Ex-UN chief Ban Ki-moon joins ex-leaders promoting peace|url=https://apnews.com/b85c203ad14f4e93887ed1d899ef1cf8|access-date=8 August 2020|website=AP NEWS|archive-date=14 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614163629/https://apnews.com/b85c203ad14f4e93887ed1d899ef1cf8|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2018, he became a deputy chair of the group, serving jointly with [[Graça Machel]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 November 2018|title=Mary Robinson appointed new Chair of The Elders|url=https://www.theelders.org/news/mary-robinson-appointed-new-chair-elders|access-date=8 August 2020|website=The Elders|language=en|archive-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819062130/https://theelders.org/article/kofi-annan-appointed-chair-elders|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2017, he joined French president [[Emmanuel Macron]] in calling for a [[Global Pact for the Environment]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=7 July 2017|title=Global Pact for the Environment Introduced to the World|url=https://www.iucn.org/news/world-commission-environmental-law/201707/global-pact-environment-introduced-world-0|access-date=24 September 2020|website=IUCN|language=en|archive-date=3 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803085801/https://www.iucn.org/news/world-commission-environmental-law/201707/global-pact-environment-introduced-world-0|url-status=live}}</ref>

In early 2018, Ban was elected to lead the [[Global Green Growth Institute]] (GGGI), a treaty-based intergovernmental organization. He has been unanimously re-elected to serve additional 2-year terms in the dual roles of the president of the Assembly and chair of the council, and his 4th term as president and chair of GGGI will end on December 31, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/2018/02/ban-ki-moon-elected-president-chair-gggi/|title=Ban Ki-moon Elected President and Chair of GGGI {{!}} Inter Press Service|website=ipsnews.net|date=20 February 2018|access-date=19 November 2018|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119091956/http://www.ipsnews.net/2018/02/ban-ki-moon-elected-president-chair-gggi/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://news.trust.org/item/20180308134348-bn8pa|title=World leaders must keep 'closer eye' on climate change - Ban Ki-moon|last=Rowling|first=Megan|date=8 March 2018|work=Thomson Reuters Foundation|access-date=18 November 2018|archive-date=19 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119092416/https://news.trust.org/item/20180308134348-bn8pa|url-status=live}}</ref>

Ban supports the U.S. Democrats' [[Green New Deal]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://grist.org/article/former-u-n-leader-ban-ki-moon-just-endorsed-democrats-fight-for-a-green-new-deal/|title=Former U.N. leader Ban Ki-moon just endorsed Democrats' fight for a Green New Deal|last=Kaufman|first=Alexander C.|date=25 January 2019|website=Grist|language=en|access-date=14 November 2021|archive-date=26 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126214137/https://grist.org/article/former-u-n-leader-ban-ki-moon-just-endorsed-democrats-fight-for-a-green-new-deal/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, Ban Ki-Moon was appointed as the Official Ambassador of the [[GEMS Education|GEMS World Academy]] Model United Nations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ki-Moon |first=Ban |date=25 January 2020 |title=A new generation of global citizens gives hope to humanity |url=https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/a-new-generation-of-global-citizens-gives-hope-to-humanity-1.69230614 |work=Gulf News |location=United Arab Emirates |access-date=25 January 2020 |archive-date=31 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831183044/https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/a-new-generation-of-global-citizens-gives-hope-to-humanity-1.69230614 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==

===Family===
[[File:SoniaMbarekAndBanKi-MoonMars2016.jpg|thumb|Ban Ki-moon and his wife visit the ancient ruins of [[Carthage]] in Tunisia, 29 March 2016]]
Ban Ki-moon met Yoo Soon-taek in 1962 when they were both in high school. Ban was 18 years old, and Yoo Soon-taek was his secondary school's student council president. Ban Ki-moon married Yoo Soon-taek in 1971.

They have three adult children: two daughters and a son.<ref name="Official Bio"/> His elder daughter, Seon-yong, was born in 1972 and now works for the [[Korea Foundation]] in Seoul. Her spouse is a native of India.<ref name="Ban Ki-moon family ties India">{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/oct/31moon.htm|title=Ban Ki-moon's family nuptial ties with India|publisher=Rediff News|date=31 October 2008|access-date=5 June 2011|archive-date=12 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012074854/http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/oct/31moon.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Ban Ki-moon India">{{cite news|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jul/13hindi.htm|title=Ban ki-Moon at the World Hindi Conference|publisher=Rediff News|date=14 July 2007|access-date=5 June 2011|archive-date=12 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012074903/http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/jul/13hindi.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> His son Woo-hyun was born in 1974 in India.<ref name="Ban Ki-moon family ties India" /> He received an MBA from [[UCLA Anderson School of Management|Anderson School of Management]] at [[University of California, Los Angeles]], and works for an investment firm in New York.<ref>{{Cite news |script-title=ko:반기문 총장 아들 내달 결혼 |url=http://www.donga.com/fbin/output?n=200904280139 |work=[[The Dong-A Ilbo]] |date=28 April 2009 |language=ko |access-date=28 April 2009 |archive-date=8 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110608193956/http://www.donga.com/fbin/output?n=200904280139 |url-status=live }}</ref> His younger daughter, Hyun-hee (born 1976), is a field officer for [[United Nations Children's Fund|UNICEF]] in [[Nairobi]].<ref name="Times12-09" />

After he was elected secretary-general, Ban became an icon in his hometown, where his extended family still resides. Over 50,000 gathered in a soccer stadium in [[Chungju]] to celebrate the result. In the months following his election, thousands of practitioners of [[geomancy]] went to his village to determine how it produced such an important person.<ref name="NYT 12-22">{{Cite news| title = On His Ancestors' Wings, a Korean Soars to the U.N.| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/22/world/asia/22ban.html| work = [[The New York Times]]| date = 22 December 2006| author = Martin Fackler| access-date = 21 February 2017| archive-date = 22 July 2016| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160722032458/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/22/world/asia/22ban.html| url-status = live}}</ref> Ban himself is not a member of any church or religious group<ref name="Corr">{{Cite news|url = http://www.economist.com/world/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8525903|newspaper = [[The Economist]]|title = Correction: Ban Ki-moon|date = 11 January 2007|access-date = 2 August 2007|archive-date = 12 November 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071112212245/http://economist.com/world/displaystory.cfm?story_id=8525903|url-status = live}}</ref> and has declined to expound his beliefs: "Now, as Secretary-General, it will not be appropriate at this time to talk about my own belief in any particular religion or god. So maybe we will have some other time to talk about personal matters."<ref name="un.org">{{cite web|url = https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sg2117.doc.htm|title = Transcript of Press Conference by Secretary-General-Designate Ban Ki-moon at United Nations Headquarters|date = 13 October 2006|access-date =15 December 2007|publisher = [[United Nations]] | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071214014218/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2006/sg2117.doc.htm| archive-date= 14 December 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> His mother is [[Buddhism|Buddhist]].<ref name="NYT 12-22" />

In January 2017, Ban's brother Ban Ki-sang and nephew Bahn Joo-hyun were indicted on charges that they had engaged in a scheme to bribe a Middle Eastern official in connection with the attempted $800 million sale of a building complex in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Raymond |first1=Nate |title=U.S. charges former U.N. chief Ban's relatives in bribery case |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-corruption-idUSKBN14U2FW |website=[[Reuters]] |language=en |date=11 January 2017 |access-date=15 September 2021 |archive-date=15 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915235451/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-corruption-idUSKBN14U2FW |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ban Ki-moon's brother and nephew charged with bribery |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38564685 |website=[[BBC News]] |date=11 January 2017 |access-date=15 September 2021 |archive-date=15 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915235451/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38564685 |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2018, Bahn Joo-hyun was sentenced to six months in prison in Manhattan federal court.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ex-UN secretary general's nephew gets 6 months in prison |date=6 September 2018 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ex-un-secretary-generals-nephew-gets-6-months-in-prison/2018/09/06/e46091e8-b203-11e8-8b53-50116768e499_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907020423/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/ex-un-secretary-generals-nephew-gets-6-months-in-prison/2018/09/06/e46091e8-b203-11e8-8b53-50116768e499_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 September 2018}}</ref>

===Personality and public image===
During his tenure at the South Korean Foreign Ministry, Ban's nickname was ''jusa'' ({{Korean|hangul=주사|labels=no}}), meaning "the administrative clerk". The name was used as both positive and negative: complimenting Ban's attention to detail and administrative skill while deriding what was seen as a lack of charisma and subservience to his superiors.<ref name="Economist10-07"/> The South Korean press corps calls him "the slippery eel" ({{Korean|hangul=기름장어|labels=no}}), for his ability to dodge questions.<ref name="LAT10-09"/> His peers praise his understated "[[Confucianism|Confucian]] approach",<ref name="Time"/> and he is regarded by many as a "stand-up guy"<ref name="FT10-10"/> and is known for his "easy smile".<ref name="Times12-09"/> After he assumed a post of United Nations secretary general, he was caricatured as "invisible man", "powerless observer", or "nowhere man" for his lack of powerful personality and leadership.<ref>{{cite news |title=Where Are You, Ban Ki-Moon? |date=24 September 2013 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/opinion/tepperman-where-are-you-ban-ki-moon.html |quote=He's been called among the worst secretaries general in U.N. history, a "powerless observer" and a "nowhere man"... |access-date=21 February 2017 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220114535/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/25/opinion/tepperman-where-are-you-ban-ki-moon.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Disquiet grows over performance of Ban Ki-moon, UN's 'invisible man' |date=22 July 2010 |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/22/ban-ki-moon-secretary-general-un |access-date=28 September 2016 |archive-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005214903/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/jul/22/ban-ki-moon-secretary-general-un |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The U.N.'s 'Invisible Man' |date=14 July 2009 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124752598527835381 |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-date=17 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517001247/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124752598527835381 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Nowhere Man |date=21 June 2009 |magazine=Foreign Policy |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2009/06/21/nowhere-man/ |access-date=5 March 2017 |archive-date=10 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210233658/http://foreignpolicy.com/2009/06/21/nowhere-man/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Honours and awards==
[[File:Ban Ki-Moon speaking at the Empowerment of Women and Youth event - 2018 (42469764680).jpg|thumb|Ban Ki-moon speaking at an event in 2018]]

===National===
*{{flag|South Korea}}: Blue Stripes or 1st Class of the [[Order of Service Merit]] (1975), (1986), (2006).<ref name="Official Bio">{{cite web|url = https://www.un.org/sg/biography.shtml|title = Official U.N. biography|publisher = United Nations|access-date = 12 August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070911041705/http://www.un.org/sg/biography.shtml| archive-date= 11 September 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===Foreign===
*{{flag|Austria}}: Grand Decoration of Honour in Gold with Star of the [[Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria]] (2001).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXIV/AB/AB_10542/imfname_251156.pdf | title = Reply to a parliamentary question about the Decoration of Honour | language = de | page = 1446 | access-date = 29 November 2012 | archive-date = 1 May 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200501061109/https://www.parlament.gv.at/PAKT/VHG/XXIV/AB/AB_10542/imfname_251156.pdf | url-status = live }}</ref>
*{{flag|Brazil}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of Rio Branco]]
*{{Flag|Peru}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Sun (Peru)|Order of the Sun]] (2006)
*{{Flag|Algeria}}: [[National Order of Merit (Algeria)|National Order of Merit of Algeria]]
*{{Flag|El Salvador}}: Grand Cross with Silver Star of the [[Order of Jose Matias Delgado]]
*{{Flag|Philippines}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of Sikatuna]], Rank of Raja (30 October 2008)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/the-order-of-sikatuna/ |title=The Order of Sikatuna |work=Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines |access-date=14 May 2016 |archive-date=25 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825092055/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/the-order-of-sikatuna/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{Flag|Kazakhstan}}: [[Order of Friendship (Kazakhstan)|Order of Friendship]], 1st class (2010)
*{{Flag|Tajikistan}}: Order of Ismoili Samoni (2010)
*{{Flag|Burkina Faso}}: Grand Cross of the National Order of [[Burkina Faso]] (2008)
*{{Flag|Ivory Coast}}: Grand Officer of the National Order of Ivory Coast (2008)
*{{Flag|Monaco}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of Saint-Charles]] (2013)<ref>Sovereign Ordonnance [http://www.legimonaco.mc/Dataweb/jourmon.nsf/56ae81d1d4180496c12568ce002f290a/84c9938d796c81bec1257b430051f7b3!OpenDocument n° 4251] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140405000705/http://www.legimonaco.mc/Dataweb/jourmon.nsf/56ae81d1d4180496c12568ce002f290a/84c9938d796c81bec1257b430051f7b3!OpenDocument |date=5 April 2014 }}, 3 April 2013.</ref>
*{{Flag|San Marino}}: [[Order of Saint Agatha]] (2013)
*{{Flag|Uruguay}}: [[Medal of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay]] (2011).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Resolución N° 294/011|url=https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/resoluciones/294-2011|access-date=26 November 2020|website=impo.com.uy|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125223619/https://www.impo.com.uy/bases/resoluciones/294-2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Netherlands}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Netherlands Lion]] (19 April 2016)<ref>{{in lang|nl}} [http://nos.nl/artikel/2100154-hoge-koninklijke-onderscheiding-voor-vn-leider-ban-ki-moon.html Hoge koninklijke onderscheiding voor VN-leider Ban Ki-moon] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420115242/http://nos.nl/artikel/2100154-hoge-koninklijke-onderscheiding-voor-vn-leider-ban-ki-moon.html |date=20 April 2016 }}, NOS, 19 April 2016.</ref>
*{{Flag|Russia}}: [[Order of Friendship]] (8 June 2016)<ref>{{cite web |title=Putin awards UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with Order of Friendship |url=https://www.rbth.com/news/2016/06/08/putin-awards-un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-with-order-of-friendship_601345 |website=Russia Beyond |date=8 June 2016 |access-date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185923/https://www.rbth.com/news/2016/06/08/putin-awards-un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-with-order-of-friendship_601345 |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{Flag|Argentina}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Liberator General San Martín]] (2016)<ref>{{cite news |title=El presidente Macri recibió al secretario General de la ONU |trans-title=President Macri hosted UN Secretary-General |url=https://www.casarosada.gob.ar/informacion/eventos-destacados-presi/36973-el-presidente-macri-recibio-al-secretario-general-de-las-naciones-unidas |work=casarosada.gob.ar |agency=[[Casa Rosada]] {{!}} [[Government of Argentina]] |date=8 August 2016 |language=es |access-date=26 September 2022 |archive-date=30 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130074839/https://www.casarosada.gob.ar/informacion/eventos-destacados-presi/36973-el-presidente-macri-recibio-al-secretario-general-de-las-naciones-unidas |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{Flag|Portugal}}: Grand Cross of the [[Order of Liberty]] (13 May 2016)

===Foreign Awards===
*{{Flag|Turkmenistan}}: Jubilee medal "25th anniversary of the neutrality of Turkmenistan" (2020)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://centralasia.news/12366-pan-gi-munu-vruchili-medal-25-letija-nejtraliteta-turkmenistana.html |title=Пан Ги Муну вручили медаль 25-летия Нейтралитета Туркменистана |access-date=18 November 2021 |archive-date=18 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118185835/https://centralasia.news/12366-pan-gi-munu-vruchili-medal-25-letija-nejtraliteta-turkmenistana.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
*{{Flag|Austria}}: Grand Golden Order of the City of [[Vienna]] (2013)
*{{Flag|Samoa}}: High [[Matai title]] conferred by Samoa as Prince Tapua Ban Ki-Moon of Suipapa Saleapaga. September 2014 during UN SIDS Conference.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://media.un.org/webtv|title=UN Web TV|first=United|last=Nations|website=Media|access-date=7 July 2021|archive-date=22 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122193733/https://media.un.org/webtv|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Ban Ki-moon, in his capacity as Secretary-General of the United Nations, was one of the Olympic Torch carriers of the [[2016 Summer Olympics]].
* Ban Ki-moon, in his capacity as Secretary-General of the United Nations, was one of the Olympic Torch carriers and he was also one of the Olympic Flag carriers of the [[2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony]].
* He was awarded the [[Arctic Circle (organization)|Arctic Circle]] Prize in 2016 in recognition of his advocacy for climate diplomacy during his tenure as UN Secretary-General, specifically for his role in negotiating the [[Paris Agreement]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.highnorthnews.com/first-arctic-circle-prize-awarded-to-ban-ki-moon/|title=First Arctic Circle Prize Awarded to Ban Ki-Moon|date=9 October 2016|access-date=1 March 2018|work=High North News|archive-date=1 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301225722/http://www.highnorthnews.com/first-arctic-circle-prize-awarded-to-ban-ki-moon/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* He was honoured with [[James A. Van Fleet Award]] by the [[Korea Society]] in [[New York City]] for his contributions to friendship between the United States and South Korea.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_detail.htm?No=39557 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203010712/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_detail.htm?No=39557 |archive-date=3 February 2014 |title=Samsung Chairman Lee Receives Van Fleet Award|date=20 September 2006|access-date=28 September 2006|work=[[KBS World]]}}</ref>
* He accepted the 2014 [[Tipperary International Peace Award]], described as "Ireland's outstanding award for humanitarian work",<ref name="TIPA-Indo01a">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/mandela-clinton-and-geldof-among-the-former-winners-29515280.html|title=Mandela, Clinton and Geldof among the former winners|work=[[Irish Independent]]|author=Ralph Riegel|date=21 August 2013|access-date=25 May 2015|archive-date=26 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526092827/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/mandela-clinton-and-geldof-among-the-former-winners-29515280.html|url-status=live}}</ref> in [[County Tipperary]], Ireland in May 2015.<ref name="TIPA2014-RTE01a">{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0524/703427-un-chief-arrives-in-ireland-for-three-day-visit/|title=Ban Ki-moon praises 'truly historic' referendum result|work=[[RTÉ News]]|date=24 May 2015|access-date=25 May 2015|quote=Speaking after he accepted the Tipperary International Peace Award in Co Tipperary this evening...|archive-date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524230310/http://www.rte.ie/news/2015/0524/703427-un-chief-arrives-in-ireland-for-three-day-visit/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Commemorative Medal of Freedom Heroes of the Republic of Hungary

===Honorary degrees===
* Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree from [[University of Maryland, College Park]] on 17 October 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://publicpolicy.umd.edu/newsroom/student-news/un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-gives-inspirational-talk-urges-students-think|title=U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Receives Honorary Degree from UMD|work=UMD|access-date=17 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221021322/http://publicpolicy.umd.edu/newsroom/student-news/un-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-gives-inspirational-talk-urges-students-think|archive-date=21 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from [[Loyola Marymount University]] on 6 April 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.lmu.edu/2016/04/01/u-n-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-to-receive-honorary-degree-from-lmu/|title=U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to Receive Honorary Degree from LMU|work=LMU|date=April 2016|access-date=14 May 2016|archive-date=2 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402024339/http://newsroom.lmu.edu/2016/04/01/u-n-secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-to-receive-honorary-degree-from-lmu/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Honorary Doctor of Laws degree of [[The University of Auckland]] on 3 September 2014<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/news-events-and-notices/events/events-2014/09/honorary-doctorate-and-public-address---his-excellency-mr-ban-ki.html |title=Honorary doctorate and Public Address - His Excellency Mr Ban Ki-moon |access-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220232031/https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/about/news-events-and-notices/events/events-2014/09/honorary-doctorate-and-public-address---his-excellency-mr-ban-ki.html |archive-date=20 December 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
* Honorary Doctorate in Human Letters from [[Fairleigh Dickinson University]] on 10 September 2008<ref>{{cite web |url=http://inside.fdu.edu/otw/0809/convocation.html |title=University Welcomes United Nations Leader at Academic Convocation |access-date=29 January 2013 |archive-date=6 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406112757/http://inside.fdu.edu/otw/0809/convocation.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
* Honorary doctorate from [[Seoul National University]] (2008)
* Doctor Honoris Causa from the [[National University of San Marcos]], the main university in Peru and the oldest of the Americas (2011)
* Doctor of Laws Degree Honoris Causa from the [[University of the Philippines College of Law|College of Law]] at the [[University of the Philippines Diliman]], the national university of the country, in 2008
* Honorary Doctor by the [[National University of Mongolia]] in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31608&Cr=mongolia&Cr1=|title=Mongolia a 'role model' for other developing countries, Ban says|date=28 July 2009|access-date=3 July 2012|work=UN News center|archive-date=11 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090811075604/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=31608&Cr=mongolia&Cr1=|url-status=live}}</ref>
* "Doctors of Letters" by [[Jamia Millia Islamia]] in New Delhi<ref>{{cite web |title=Press Release: Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General to UN conferred with 'Doctor of Letters' at Jamia |url=http://www.jmi.ac.in/bulletinboard/press-releases/latest/Press_Release_Mr_Ban_Ki_moon_Secretary_General_to_United_Nations_to_be_conferred_with_Doctor_of_Letters_at_a_Special_Convocation_on_the_27th_of_April_at_Jamia-1805,-Secretary- |access-date=4 February 2014 |archive-date=21 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221172309/http://www.jmi.ac.in/bulletinboard/press-releases/latest/Press_Release_Mr_Ban_Ki_moon_Secretary_General_to_United_Nations_to_be_conferred_with_Doctor_of_Letters_at_a_Special_Convocation_on_the_27th_of_April_at_Jamia-1805,-Secretary- |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Honorary doctorates in law from the [[University of Malta]] (2009) and the [[University of Washington]] (2009)
* Honorary doctorate of public service from [[University of Denver]] (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.du.edu/today/news/ban-ki-moon-mayor-michael-hancock-announced-as-commencement-speakers|title=Ban Ki-moon, Mayor Michael Hancock announced as Commencement speakers|date=30 May 2013|access-date=13 June 2013|archive-date=8 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608234855/http://blogs.du.edu/today/news/ban-ki-moon-mayor-michael-hancock-announced-as-commencement-speakers|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Honorary doctorate from [[Georgetown University]] (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50879|access-date=17 May 2015|title='Make the choice of service,' UN chief tells Georgetown graduates|date=16 May 2015|archive-date=25 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525155637/http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=50879|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Honorary doctorate from [[Katholieke Universiteit Leuven]] (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kuleuven.be/communicatie/congresbureau/evenementen/patroonsfeest/2015/kimoon/index.html|title=KU Leuven awards honorary doctorate to Ban Ki-moon|date=26 May 2015|access-date=28 May 2015|archive-date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528120924/https://www.kuleuven.be/communicatie/congresbureau/evenementen/patroonsfeest/2015/kimoon/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Doctor honoris causa from [[Comenius University]] (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uniba.sk/detail-aktuality/back_to_page/univerzita-komenskeho/article/generalny-tajomnik-osn-sa-stal-cestnym-doktorom-univerzity-komenskeho/|title=Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave (UK) dnes udelila čestný titul Doctor honoris causa (Dr. h. c.) generálnemu tajomníkovi OSN Pan Ki-munovi|date=19 October 2015|access-date=19 October 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126055243/http://uniba.sk/detail-aktuality/back_to_page/univerzita-komenskeho/article/generalny-tajomnik-osn-sa-stal-cestnym-doktorom-univerzity-komenskeho/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Degree of Doctor of Civil Law Honoris Causa from [[University of Mauritius]] (2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uom.ac.mu/index.php/news-events/744-conferment09may2016/|title=University of Mauritius Doctor honoris causa|date=9 May 2016|access-date=9 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601194101/http://www.uom.ac.mu/index.php/news-events/744-conferment09may2016/|archive-date=1 June 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Honorary Doctor of Laws from [[Columbia University]] (2016)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.columbia.edu/node/4551.html|title=University Commencement {{!}} Columbia University in the City of New York|website=columbia.edu|access-date=18 May 2016|archive-date=19 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519162008/http://www.columbia.edu/node/4551.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Honorary Degree from [[Marymount Manhattan College]] (2016)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.mmm.edu/live/news/1947-un-secretary-general-new-york-historical-society |title=UN Secretary-General, New-York Historical Society President, and MMC's own Campus Minister to receive 2016 Honorary Degrees |publisher=Marymount Manhattan College |date=21 April 2016 |access-date=20 May 2016 |archive-date=23 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523113237/http://www.mmm.edu/live/news/1947-un-secretary-general-new-york-historical-society |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Doctor honoris causa from [[Panthéon-Sorbonne University]] (2016)
* Doctor of Law (honoris causa) from the [[University of Cambridge]] (3 February 2016)<ref>{{Cite journal |url=https://www.reporter.admin.cam.ac.uk/reporter/2015-16/weekly/6413/section6.shtml |title=Congregation of the Regent House on 3 February 2016: Honorary Degree |journal=[[Cambridge University Reporter]] |access-date=5 December 2022 |number=6413 |date=3 February 2016 |pages=346–347 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205145431/https://www.reporter.admin.cam.ac.uk/reporter/2015-16/weekly/6413/section6.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>
*Honorary doctorate from the [[University of Groningen]] (2018)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rug.nl/news/2018/10/17-october-awarding-of-honorary-doctorate-to-ban-ki-moon|title=Honorary Doctorate awarded to Ban Ki-moon {{!}} News articles {{!}} News and Events {{!}} About us {{!}} University of Groningen|website=rug.nl|date=15 October 2018|language=en|access-date=17 October 2018|archive-date=17 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017163159/https://www.rug.nl/news/2018/10/17-october-awarding-of-honorary-doctorate-to-ban-ki-moon|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Honorary doctorate in Global Peace and Sustainable Development from [[National University of Malaysia|Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia]] (2019)
*Honorary doctorate in recognition of work in pursuing peace, promoting human rights, and advancing UN Sustainable Development from [[Tampere University]] (2022)<ref>{{Cite web| title = Tampere University confers 244 doctorates and 14 honorary doctorates at its first Conferment Ceremony| work = Tampere universities| accessdate = 16 August 2022| url = https://www.tuni.fi/en/news/tampere-university-confers-244-doctorates-and-14-honorary-doctorates-its-first-conferment| archive-date = 16 August 2022| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220816065805/https://www.tuni.fi/en/news/tampere-university-confers-244-doctorates-and-14-honorary-doctorates-its-first-conferment| url-status = live}}</ref>

==Books==
* ''Resolved: Uniting Nations in a Divided World'', New York: Columbia University Press, 2021.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7312/ban-19872 | jstor=10.7312/ban-19872 | doi=10.7312/ban-19872 | title=Resolved | year=2021 | last1=Ki-Moon | first1=Ban | publisher=Columbia University Press | isbn=9780231552783 | access-date=22 March 2023 | archive-date=22 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322164117/https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7312/ban-19872 | url-status=live }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of trips made by Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon|List of trips by Ban Ki-moon]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* ''Encyclopedia of World Biography: Supplement #27'' (Thomson-Gale, 2007), pp.&nbsp;29–31.

==External links==
{{Sister project links|Ban Ki-moon}}
* [https://www.un.org/sg/en/formersg/ban.shtml Ban Ki-moon], official [[United Nations]] profile as former secretary-general
* [https://search.archives.un.org/secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-2007–2018 Ban Ki-moon papers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026114855/https://search.archives.un.org/secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-2007–2018 |date=26 October 2023 }} at the [[United Nations]] Archives
* [https://search.archives.un.org/secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-2007-2018 Ban Ki-moon papers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026114855/https://search.archives.un.org/secretary-general-ban-ki-moon-2007-2018 |date=26 October 2023 }} at the [[United Nations]] Archives
* [https://www.theguardian.com/profile/bankimoon Column archive] at ''[[The Guardian]]''
* {{C-SPAN}}
* {{Charlie Rose view|5}}
* {{IMDb name|2559634}}
* {{Aljazeeratopic|category/person/ban-ki-moon}}
* {{Guardian topic}}
* {{NYTtopic|people/b/ban_ki_moon}}
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5694018002727109340 Ban Ki-moon interview] with [[Dennis Wholey]] on 23 February 2006
* [https://www.un.org/ga/63/generaldebate/sg.shtml Ban Ki-moon's address to the United Nations General Assembly], General Debate of the 63rd Session, 23 September 2008
* {{cite web |url=http://iiea.com/events/ban-ki-moon-on-peacekeeping |title=Ban Ki-moon on Sixty Years of UN Peacekeeping |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=7 July 2009 |publisher=[[Institute of International and European Affairs]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117085001/http://iiea.com/events/ban-ki-moon-on-peacekeeping |archive-date=17 January 2010}} Dublin Castle.

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{{LN and UN Secretaries-General}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Ban, Ki-Moon}}
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