nwasianweekly.com
Oct. 7, 2006

The right choice for U.N. leader

Ban Ki-moon is an excellent choice for the next leader of the United Nations. He is the right man, from the right country, and he arrives at a time when the world needs his leadership style most.

The U.N. Security Council gave its overwhelming approval to Ban in an informal poll earlier this week. He is awaiting a formal vote by the council to make it official, then the General Assembly’s appointment. Ban is expected to replace Secretary General Kofi Annan, who will step down at the end of the year.

The first Asian to lead the U.N. since 1971, Ban is entering the job with plenty of support. In fact, among the seven candidates vying for the job, he was the only one who did not receive any objections from Security Council members. Even the United States, which until recently had not warmed up to the idea of handing the leadership over to someone from Asia, gave its approval to Ban. Such unity could be an asset to him when he becomes secretary general.

Ban has already proven himself to be a leader in the recent talks involving North Korea’s nuclear development. A Korean himself, Ban could play a strategic role in convincing the communist country to disarm and cooperate with other nations.

Self-described as low-key and laid-back, Ban might have risen to the top because he, as well as his native South Korea, appears to be the least threatening. He’s not the type to bully other U.N. members. He often expresses humility while exercising leadership. He is a rare type of public servant — someone who views world affairs not from the viewpoint of his nationality, but as a global citizen. In other words, he does what’s right for the entire world, not just for South Korea or himself. That kind of perspective is sorely missing in politics these days.

He has promised that his focus as secretary general will be on achieving peace in the Middle East. In this tense moment in history, that is the right priority to have.

Ban’s personality, point of view, experience and good reputation put him in a position to work well with all nations. That’s what the world needs right now — someone who can lead a diversity of nations, who can act as a peace broker, who can be fair to all.

We wish Ban Ki-moon luck as he prepares to lead the United Nations.

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