Ban Ki-moon Quotes

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Ban Ki-moon

Profession : Leader

Birth : June 13, 1944

As a child growing up during the Korean War, I knew poverty. I studied by candlelight.

Ban Ki-moon

I will do everything in my power to ensure that our United Nations can live up to its name, and be truly united; so that we can live up to the hopes that so many people around the world place in this institution, which is unique in the annals of human history.

Ban Ki-moon

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011 was an immense tragedy that sparked a global response. The international community came forward with aid to the victims and came together to address the broader concerns about nuclear security and safety.

Ban Ki-moon

The true measure of success for the U.N. is not how much we promise, but how much we deliver for those who need us most.

Ban Ki-moon

Within the U.N. itself, I have appointed a record number of women to high-level positions. I did not fill jobs with women just for the sake of it - I looked for the best possible candidate, and I found that if you strip away discrimination, the best possible candidate is often a woman.

Ban Ki-moon

Around the world, climate change is an existential threat - but if we harness the opportunities inherent in addressing climate change, we can reap enormous economic benefits.

Ban Ki-moon

The Czech Republic is a dynamic United Nations Member State, active on the Human Rights Council, contributing to the peaceful settlement of disputes, and helping other countries to achieve a democratic transition.

Ban Ki-moon

Messengers of Peace such as Midori - and our Goodwill Ambassadors, who work directly with the UN agencies - are dedicated and well-informed and credible advocates on behalf of the United Nations. They help us educate audiences worldwide and rally support on key issues of the United Nations.

Ban Ki-moon

Weapons of mass destruction violate more than individual lives - they cross international borders and jeopardize all people. They also drain resources that could be used instead for medicines, schools and other life-saving supplies. We must come together with even greater determination to prevent a WMD nightmare.

Ban Ki-moon

The United Nations has a proud record of helping millions of people in mine-affected countries.

Ban Ki-moon

All nuclear material in weapons programmes must be subject one day to binding international verification.

Ban Ki-moon

Some might complain that nuclear disarmament is little more than a dream. But that ignores the very tangible benefits disarmament would bring for all humankind. Its success would strengthen international peace and security. It would free up vast and much-needed resources for social and economic development. It would advance the rule of law.

Ban Ki-moon

Whether addressing immediate crises or building long-term foundations of peace, the United Nations will remain committed to solutions that advance the global good.

Ban Ki-moon

Schools connect children to their communities. Jobs connect adults to their societies. Persons with autism deserve to walk the same path.

Ban Ki-moon

I have been very encouraged by President Obama's call to action on climate change both at his Inauguration and in the State of the Union Address. This is a global imperative. I also welcome President Obama's intention to pursue reductions in nuclear arsenals.

Ban Ki-moon

Nuclear accidents anywhere can affect people everywhere.

Ban Ki-moon

The U.N.'s impartiality allows it to negotiate and operate in some of the toughest places in the world. And time and again, studies have shown that U.N. peacekeeping is far more effective and done with far less money than what any government can do on its own.

Ban Ki-moon

One of my earliest memories is walking up a muddy road into the mountains. It was raining. Behind me, my village was burning. When there was school, it was under a tree. Then the United Nations came. They fed me, my family, my community.

Ban Ki-moon

Raising ambition in 2014 is crucial for arriving at a meaningful climate agreement in 2015.

Ban Ki-moon

Any use of chemical weapons, by anyone, under any circumstances, is a grave violation of the 1925 Protocol and other relevant rules of customary international law.

Ban Ki-moon