Ban Ki-moon
Leadership, values, and global achievements
“We must connect the dots between climate change, water scarcity, energy shortages, global health, food security and women’s empowerment. Solutions to one problem must be solutions for all.”
Ban Ki-moon, Former United Nations Secretary-General who played a major role in securing the Paris Climate Agreement and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals, was elected as a Kellogg Fellow in 2024.
The Kellogg Bynum Tudor Fellowship was established in 2004 as part of the College’s mission to engage with influential thinkers and experienced practitioners in business, policy-making, and culture. The lifelong Fellowship recognises the contribution recipients have made to improving our world through their personal dedication and social impact. Current Bynum Tudor Fellows include His Majesty King Charles III, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Dr Ralph Walter, Sir David Brown, Dr Marcy McCall MacBain, and Lord Bilimoria.
In the realm of global diplomacy, few figures have had such a positive impact on the world stage as Ban Ki-moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. As a statesman, diplomat, and advocate for peace, Ban’s tenure from 2007 to 2016 was characterised by a steadfast commitment to universal values, tireless efforts to address pressing global challenges, and a dedication to fostering cooperation among nations.
Ban Ki-moon’s journey into international diplomacy began in his native South Korea. Born on 13 June 1944, Ban’s early life was shaped by the tumultuous events of the Korean War. This experience instilled in him a deep-seated belief in the power of diplomacy and dialogue to prevent conflict and promote peace – a principle that would guide his actions throughout his career.
One of Ban’s key contributions to the international community was his unwavering commitment to the United Nations’ core principles. As Secretary-General, he worked to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights, and foster economic and social development.
A hallmark of Ban’s leadership was his commitment to sustainable development. Under his guidance, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015 –a landmark initiative that outlined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aimed at eradicating poverty, promoting equality, and addressing environmental challenges. Recognising the existential threat posed by global warming, Ban Ki-moon also played a pivotal role in the 2015 Paris Agreement which marked a historic moment in the fight against climate change, as nations committed to limiting global temperature increases and transitioning to a low-carbon future. Ban Ki-moon championed the empowerment of women and gender equality, with the “HeForShe” campaign urging men to become active allies in the fight for women’s rights. Ban recognised that achieving sustainable development and peace required the full participation of all members of society.
“The world is over-armed and peace is under-funded.”
Ban’s diplomatic skills were put to the test in navigating complex geopolitical challenges. Ban consistently called for peaceful resolutions to conflicts, emphasising dialogue and international cooperation as the preferred paths to stability. While challenges persisted, his dedication to diplomatic solutions underscored his commitment to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014 presented a formidable challenge during Ban Ki-moon’s tenure. Recognising the urgency of the situation, he mobilised the international community to provide support and resources to affected countries. His swift response demonstrated a commitment to global health security and reinforced the UN’s role as a coordinating force in times of crisis.
Ban Ki-moon’s diplomatic achievements were not limited to addressing crises; he also played a crucial role in fostering dialogue among nations. His efforts to facilitate the reopening of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States in 2014 marked a historic breakthrough, ending decades of estrangement between the two nations. The significant achievements of Ban Ki-moon through his leadership of the UN, his unwavering commitment to its principles, and his dedication to fostering global cooperation for a more sustainable and just world place him in the highest esteem, and the college is delighted to bestow the Bynum Tudor Fellowship upon him.
Accepting the Fellowship, Ban Ki-moon remarked: ‘I’m delighted to have been honoured by an Oxford college that shares my passions for social and environmental sustainability, tackling climate change, and promoting international human rights.’
In 2024, Ban Ki-moon was the inaugural recipient of the King Charles III Harmony Award.
Ban Ki-moon's beliefs
On global citizenship:
"As the young leaders of tomorrow, you have the passion and energy and commitment to make a difference. What I’d like to really urge you to do is to have a global vision. Go beyond your country; go beyond your national boundaries."
On climate change:
"Climate change does not respect borders; it does not respect who you are - rich and poor, small and big. Therefore, this is what we call global challenges, which require global solidarity."
Ban Ki-moon at Kellogg
Mr Ban visited Kellogg on 2nd-3rd May 2024 during which he attended a meeting of the College’s Commission on Sustainability Data and delivered the Inaugural Lecture in what is to be a series of annual College Lectures on Human Rights.
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