Ban Ki-moon

Definition

Ban Ki-moon is a South Korean diplomat who served as the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 2007 to December 2016. His tenure was marked by a strong focus on climate change and sustainable development, making him a pivotal figure in international climate agreements and negotiations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During his time as Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon emphasized the importance of climate change as a global security issue, advocating for urgent action.
2. He played a key role in the establishment of the Paris Agreement, fostering consensus among countries to address climate change collectively.
3. Ban Ki-moon launched several initiatives to promote renewable energy and sustainable practices, highlighting the need for a transition to a low-carbon economy.
4. He convened multiple climate summits, including the 2014 Climate Summit in New York, to galvanize support and commitments from world leaders towards climate action.
5. After his tenure, Ban Ki-moon continued his advocacy for climate issues, serving as a special advisor on climate action and engaging in various international forums.

Review Questions

• How did Ban Ki-moon's leadership influence international climate negotiations during his tenure as Secretary-General?
  • Ban Ki-moon's leadership significantly influenced international climate negotiations by elevating climate change as a central issue on the global agenda. He actively promoted dialogue among nations and pushed for stronger commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. His efforts led to critical advancements such as the Paris Agreement, which represented a collective commitment from countries worldwide to combat climate change.
• Discuss the initiatives launched by Ban Ki-moon that contributed to sustainable development and renewable energy during his time in office.
  • Ban Ki-moon launched several initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and renewable energy, notably through the Sustainable Energy for All initiative. This program sought to ensure universal access to modern energy services, improve energy efficiency, and increase the use of renewable energy sources. His focus on these areas helped shape international policy discussions around transitioning to a sustainable low-carbon economy.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Ban Ki-moon’s contributions to climate change awareness and policy on future international efforts.
  • The long-term impact of Ban Ki-moon's contributions to climate change awareness and policy is evident in the ongoing global commitment to addressing climate issues. His advocacy laid the groundwork for significant agreements like the Paris Agreement and raised awareness about the urgency of taking action against climate change. As a result, future international efforts continue to reflect his emphasis on collaborative solutions and the integration of sustainable development goals into national policies, influencing how countries approach environmental challenges today.

Related terms

Paris Agreement:

An international treaty adopted in 2015 that aims to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):

An international environmental treaty aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts, which serves as the foundation for global climate negotiations.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 to address various global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change, with an aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.