Guide Note

Ban Ki-moon is currently the Secretary-General of the United Nations. Prior to this appointment, he served as a diplomat for, and then Foreign Minister of, South Korea. His diplomatic work allowed him to visit many countries in the world, including all of the UN member states. This experience made him a one of the strongest candidates to replace Kofi Annan. He was elected secretary-general on October 13, 2006, and took office on January 1, 2007.

Almost immediately after taking his position at the UN, Ban Ki-moon began enacting a sweeping series of reforms within the organization. His main reforms restructured parts of the UN, splitting peacekeeping operations into two separate groups, and combining the political affairs and disarmament departments. While unpopular with many at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, this move has been praised by many observers and those working in field offices.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations has the power to direct international attention to certain issues he or she deems of importance. Ban Ki-moon has used his position to focus UN attention on the crisis in Darfur, the problem of Climate Change, and finding a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

Fast Facts

1. Born: June 13, 1944
2. 2004-2006: Foreign Minister of South Korea
3. October 13, 2006: Elected Secretary-General of the United Nations
4. Assumed office on January 1, 2007
5. Quickly enacted significant reforms at the UN
6. Combined the political affairs and disarmament departments
7. Split peacekeeping operations into two separate groups

1. Crisis in Darfur
2. Climate Change
3. Solution to the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict