When I was six, the Korean War broke out, and all the classrooms were destroyed by war. We studied under the trees or in whatever buildings were left. Ban Ki-moon breakbuildingclassroom Change image and share on social
New York is one of the greatest cities in the world. It is a fitting host to its many international visitors, who can come to witness first-hand what a vibrant multicultural democracy looks like. Ban Ki-moon citydemocracyfit Change image and share on social
When food prices surge, poor families suddenly find themselves unable to afford enough nutritious food. If this happens during the first thousand days of a child's life, the damage to his or her body and mind can be permanent. Ban Ki-moon affordbodychild share on social
Nuclear tests poison the environment - and they also poison the political climate. They breed mistrust, isolation and fear. Ban Ki-moon breedclimateenvironment Change image and share on social
At a time when we aim to accelerate our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and define a bold agenda for the period beyond 2015, the role of charity can and should grow. U.N. bodies such as the U.N. Volunteers Programme and UNICEF offer venues for people across the world to get involved. Ban Ki-moon accelerateachieveagendum share on social
I have been, and will remain, outspoken in my insistence that Israel has a right to live in peace and security. Ban Ki-moon insistenceisraellive Change image and share on social
The U.N. might not be the most luxurious place to work, but it certainly is one of the most important places in the world. Ban Ki-moon importantluxuriousplace Change image and share on social
One of the main lessons I have learned the last five years as Secretary-General is that the United Nations cannot function properly without the support of the business community and civil society. We need to have tripartite support - the governments, the business communities and the civil society. Ban Ki-moon businesscivilcommunity share on social
Countries with higher levels of gender equality have higher economic growth. Companies with more women on their boards have higher returns. Peace agreements that include women are more successful. Parliaments with more women take up a wider range of issues - including health, education, anti-discrimination, and child support. Ban Ki-moon agreementantiboard share on social
A world free of nuclear weapons will be safer and more prosperous. Ban Ki-moon freenuclearprosperous Change image and share on social