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United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's first day at work technically begins on Jan. 2. Like any job, the first day is always the toughest.
"Today, I officially begin my term as United Nations secretary-general. As secretary-general, I am now in a position requiring the handling of a variety of issues facing humanity that goes beyond issues related to the Korean Peninsula. By assuming such critical duties, I am reaffirming my sense of determination,ˇ± he said.
Ban was praised for his leadership as South Korea's foreign minister before taking the reins of the UN. He has led one country's diplomacy, but now carries the weight of the entire world. Ban has yet to officially name his deputy, chief of staff and a communications team. He has also kept secret his intentions and policies on global issues. But his immediate challenge is the UN itself. The eighth UN secretary-general has inherited a bureaucracy tainted by procurement mismanagement and corruption in Iraq's oil-for-food program. He thus faces the daunting task of reforming an institution that even has trouble starting meetings on time.
"One of my core tasks will be to breathe new life and inject renewed confidence into the sometimes weary secretariat,ˇ± Ban said in his inaugural speech. ˇ°My first priority will be to restore trust. I will seek to act as a harmonizer and bridge-builder. I will do everything in my power to ensure that our United Nations can live up to its name, and be truly united; so that we can live up to the hopes that so many people around the world place on this institution, which is unique in the annals of human history."
Beyond the walls of the UN, crises in the Middle East, Sudan's Darfur region and Somalia will compete for the new UN chief's attention -- issues that are likely to take priority over North Korea at the organization. Other pressing challenges include human rights, poverty and HIV/AIDS.
Ban Ki-moon has undoubtedly become a national hero and role model here in Korea by rising to the ranks of UN chief. But the real test begins now. Not only will Korea be watching, but the eyes of the world will be on Ban to see how he will live up to his pledges and make his mark in the world.
Arirang News
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