Ban Ki-moon: Be a global citizen
A meeting with US President John F Kennedy during a student trip sponsored by the Red Cross inspired a young Ban Ki-moon so much that he vowed to pursue a career in diplomacy. Not only did the high school boy from the then war-torn Korean countryside become a diplomat in South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he rose to the highest office in the world’s intergovernmental body, the United Nations (UN).
The eighth and current UN Secretary-General shared his personal experience with NUS students and faculty at “Thought Leaders at NUS: In Conversation with the Secretary-General of the United Nations” on 30 August. The dialogue session was moderated by NUS Board Member Dr Noeleen Heyzer, social scientist and former UN Under-Secretary-General, who was Special Adviser to the Secretary-General.
Among the some 100 attendees were NUS Chairman Mr Wong Ngit Liong; Board of Trustees Members Mr Neo Kian Hong, Mr Phillip Tan and Mr Wong Fong Fui; and NUS President Professor Tan Chorh Chuan.
Mr Ban interacting with students attending the talk
During the dialogue session, Mr Ban recalled the strong impression Mr Kennedy made on his young self about contributing to his country that he decided to be a diplomat when he grew up. Though he encouraged the students to be ambitious, Mr Ban also urged them to do something for the community. He is struck by Singapore as a “shiny example” of democracy, economics, financial progress, social solidarity and diversity amid a multiracial society. He attributed the small island state’s great ideas, initiatives and vision to good quality leaders and education.
“You can be a leader of this country, you can be leader of this region, you can be leader of this world,” he told the students.
He exhorted young Singaporeans to widen their horizon for a global vision and passion, as well as nurture compassion for poor and marginalised people. His key message to the audience — be a global citizen.
During the question-and-answer session, students posed questions on sustainable development, and when UN would have a female Secretary-General. Mr Ban, who is relinquishing the post year end, said it is high time to have a woman as head after 72 years. During his 10 years helming the organisation, he found “the best qualified persons were women”.
A student posing a question
Although UN employs many women, Mr Ban noticed very few holding senior positions. He was determined to shatter the glass ceiling, saying, “It looks so transparent but it’s also very thick.” He pointed out that he had appointed seven women in the organisation as heads of missions, and five are currently commanding peacekeepers in conflict zones around the world.
Mr Ban was on a two-day working visit to Singapore with his wife Mrs Ban Soon-taek and senior officials from UN. During his trip, he was conferred the Honorary Doctor of Letters by NUS in recognition of his international efforts to promote sustainable development and global peace and security.
Mr Ban receiving a gift from Mr Wong
