Ban Ki-moon

Departing UN chief Ban Ki-moon bids a fond farewell to staff

The top diplomat beamed as he told a room full of UN staff: "I have just two words: 'Thank you!'"

"On the eve of the new year, I'll be in Times Square [New York] for the ball drop. Millions of people will be watching as I lose my job!'' he added.

     

UN chief Ban Ki-moon hints he could run for South Korea's presidency

Mr Ban's term as the world's top diplomat expires at the end of December.

In his final press conference as UN chief, Mr Ban said that after some rest he will return to South Korea and consider how best to help his country.

South Korea's next presidential election is scheduled to be held in December 2017.

However, a poll could take place within two months after the country's parliament voted to impeach current President Park Geun-hye over an influence-peddling scandal.

UN chief warns of Aleppo 'atrocities'

Mr Ban urged all the sides, particularly Syria's government and its allies, to protect civilians.

UN humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland earlier said Syria and Russia were "accountable" for any atrocities committed by pro-government militias.

Major gains by Syria's army have left Aleppo rebels on the brink of defeat.

Syria at UN summit as Russian bombing causes tensions

The Kremlin says it is acting on request of the Syrian government of President Bashar Assad. The United States opposes Assad and has questioned Moscow's assertion that it is targeting Islamic terrorists, saying the areas hit close to Homs are strongholds of the moderate opposition to Assad.

World leaders also tried to address the crises in Libya and Yemen with high-level meetings on Friday.

Countries urged to submit climate action plans

Janos Pasztor, Assistant Secretary-General on Climate Change, told a press conference at United Nations Headquarters that, to date, 62 out of 194 parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have submitted their Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC).

The Secretary-General is “eager” to get all countries to submit their climate action plans, Pasztor said, adding “the earlier we get them the better.”

China parade draws Putin, but few other major world leaders

 After them, the wattage gets pretty low.

Beijing says the attendance of 30 overseas leaders from countries ranging from Mongolia to Egypt to Venezuela is a sign that China's long-undervalued contributions to that victory in 1945 are finally getting their proper due.

Ban Ki-moon fires UN peacekeeping chief in Central African Republic

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking with unusual force, said Wednesday he has accepted the resignation of Babacar Gaye of Senegal and declared, "Enough is enough." He has called a special session of the U.N. Security Council for Thursday over the issue of sexual abuse allegations that has rocked the world body.

UN chief calls killing of Palestinian child 'terrorist act'

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Ban strongly condemns Friday's "murder" of 18-month-old Ali Dawabsheh and calls for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

"The absence of a political process and Israel's illegal settlement policy, as well as the harsh and unnecessary practice of demolishing Palestinian houses, have given rise to violent extremism on both sides," Ban's spokesman said.

Partnerships can help small islands overcome ‘unique vulnerabilities: Ban

“Combatting climate change, promoting sustainable development and addressing the vulnerabilities of SIDS will demand partnership, capacity and leadership,” said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who recalled that the SAMOA Pathway is here “to guide us.”

Last year’s Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Samoa increased global attention on their contributions to sustainable development – but also on their unique vulnerabilities,  Ban reminded to the Council members, who were meeting for an unprecedented debate about the situation of these countries.