Ban Ki-moon

Ban Ki-moon became the eighth UN General Secretary in 2006. Before then, he was a diplomat in South Korea, where he served as Foreign Minister. His diplomatic service started after graduating from college. His first post was at his nation’s embassy in India. He quickly earned a reputation for his clever diplomatic skills.

Ban was born in a small farming village and grew up in the town of Chungju. His destiny was to become a diplomat. He was a star pupil at school and was chosen to send a message to the United Nations. In 1962, he won an essay competition. His prize was a trip to America, where he met President John F. Kennedy. He told him his ambition was to be a diplomat.