This profile is part of the 2016 Global Citizen March Madness Challenge. The challenge asks you to vote for your favorite global citizens, as we match them up “tournament style” from a “Sweet 16” starting round, all the way down to a champion on April 4th.
Vote now in the Sweet 16 Round for all of your favorites HERE
Name: Ban Ki-Moon
Hometown: Chungju, South Korea
Profession: UN Secretary-General
Issue division: Education in Emergencies
Quick Facts:
- 8th Secretary General of the UN
- Studied at Seoul National University and Harvard Kennedy School of Government
- Served 37 years in foreign service posts across the world
- Created the UN’s Education First Initiative to send every child to school
As a child growing up during the Korean War, Ban Ki-moon always knew he wanted to be a diplomat. He understood the power of education in changing people’s lives. Ban recalls having class outside under a tree because his elementary school didn’t have money for a building. He studied hard nonetheless, went to good schools and eventually scored first in his nation’s foreign service exam.
After working as an ambassador around the world and serving as South Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ban was elected as the United Nation’s 8th Secretary-General in 2006. During his tenure as leader of the UN, Ban has stressed the importance of education. In 2012, Ban launched the Global Education First initiative to accelerate progress towards the education-related Millennium Development Goals.
The initiative works with different countries and partner organizations to realize free, quality education for all children. Ban has also worked with the UN and world leaders to increase funding for education in emergencies for children living in conflict and disaster zones.
“I have seen, in my life, the difference an education can make…We have the knowledge, the technology and the partnership platforms we need to make progress. Let us now heighten our commitment and do what we know we must for the world’s children,” he said.
Ban Ki-Moon’s personal hunger for education helped inspire his commitment to making sure all children have access to a quality education that fosters global citizenship.
First round match-up
